Sir Ranulph is currently sailing to Antarctica to begin his expedition

Adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has been fined for speeding at nearly 100mph on one of the Highlands’ major roads.

The explorer, who is currently sailing south for his attempt on an Antarctic record, pleaded guilty at Inverness Justice of the Peace Court to the offence on the A9 near Daviot, south of Inverness.

The 68-year-old, of Exford, Somerset, was clocked at 98mph on the dual carriageway, which has a speed limit of 70mph.

The offence took place in June last year when Fiennes was on his way to a speaking engagement in Inverness.

Justice of the Peace Richard Syred fined him £450 and rejected his plea, made via his solicitor, to be handed a driving ban, which could have been imposed while he is away on his Coldest Journey venture, which is expected to take at least six months.

Sir Ranulph, who has summited Everest and climbed the North Face of the Eiger with Kenton Cool, despite suffering from vertigo, is attempting the first winter crossing of the Antarctic continent on foot.

He expects to encounter temperatures as low as –90C and almost constant darkness.