Moray MP Douglas Ross has acknowledged he might not be able to referee “as many high-profile football matches” in his new role.
He told the Press and Journal he had taken on board the criticism he received for missing a key vote and committee meeting at the Scottish Parliament and learned from it.
The Fifa listed assistant referee added: “I’m in an extremely fortunate position of having climbed the refereeing ladder to get to a stage where I do some very good matches in Scotland and around the world.”
This included a Champion’s League Sporting Lisbon versus Real Madrid clash last November.
Asked if he will carry on with his second job, he replied: “What I have said is I want to continue refereeing where it doesn’t conflict with my parliamentary duties.
“I believe that if you’ve got an MP that can go hill-walking on a Saturday, or have another hobby, then I can continue my hobby of being abused by 22 footballers on a Saturday afternoon.
“So it might mean I can’t do as many high profile football matches but I can continue to referee in the Highland League and in the Scottish League where there is no conflict with my parliamentary duties.”
Mr Ross, who runs the line, cannot play football, claiming to have “no hand foot coordination”, but enjoys watching.