A former scaffolder, who was left with serious personal injuries following a road accident more than five years ago, has been awarded £3 million in compensation at the High Court in London after a long legal battle.

Neil Nicolson 39, of Corpach, Fort William, was working in London at the time of the accident in August 2002 and was riding his 500cc Suzuki motorcycle when a car ploughed into him, knocking him off and severely injuring him. Such was the extent of his injuries that until recently he was only able to move his neck, left thumb and forefinger and still requires 24-hour care.

Brenda Willis, of Mitcham, Surrey, was the driver of the car involved. She was later found guilty of driving without due care and attention and although her insurance company continued to deny liability, a judge at an earlier hearing ruled she was two-thirds responsible.

Representing Mr Nicolson, Philip Glancy QC told the court that a specially converted bungalow had been bought near his family home in Fort William where he will live with a round-the-clock team of carers. He has been living in Edinburgh away from his family since the accident, receiving specialist care.

After going through specialist treatment and therapy Mr Nicolson can now with some assistance, feed himself, guide his wheelchair without being pushed and walk short distances with the use of apparatus.

Betty Nicolson, his mother, said: “I am very happy that my boy is coming home at long last and that the money he is getting will give him a quality of life.”