A north-east GP has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a “vulnerable” patient.
Dr Gordon Carter is alleged to have pursued the woman while he worked at the Bydand Medical Group at Huntly.
The medic is also club doctor for Huntly FC and has been a director of the Highland League side since December 2013.
The General Medical Council (GMC) – the body which regulates doctors – has accused him of exchanging mobile phone numbers with the woman and sending her text messages during Christmas and New Year 2013.
It is also alleged that between July 2013 and October 2014, Dr Carter “abused his professional position” by pursuing the woman – described only as Patient A – and engaging in an “emotional and sexual” relationship with her.
The GMC claims that at the time he knew, or ought to have known, that Patient A was “vulnerable”.
A spokesman said: “The above reflects the allegation as it stands at the start of the hearing.
“The allegation may be amended as the hearing proceeds and when findings of fact are made by the panel.”
The married father is a well-respected family doctor who has lived in the Huntly area for decades.
He officially opened the Huntly Area Cancer Support care centre in 2011.
He has also been a permanent fixture at Huntly FC games, and raced on to the pitch earlier this year when forward Neale Davidson broke his leg in the fifth minute of the team’s 3-2 home defeat to Deveronvale.
The player later paid tribute to the Christie Park “backroom staff”.
Dr Carter has also played a prominent role in the club’s charitable foundation, which he said was an important part in establishing Huntly FC as a “true community club”.
Thousands of pounds have been donated to numerous local charities, including Huntly Amateur Football Club, Huntly Pipe Band, Strathbogie Fiddlers and Jessiman School of Dance.
Dr Carter will face the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) in Manchester on September 21 for a fitness to practice hearing which is expected to last a week.
He could be struck off if he is found guilty of the allegations against him.
The MPTS provides the adjudication function for UK doctors.
A spokesman said: “We protect patients by making independent decisions about a doctor’s fitness to practice measured against professional standards set by the GMC.
“We have powers to impose sanctions on a doctor’s practice, where necessary, to protect the public.”
Dr Carter currently has numerous conditions attached to his registration while he awaits his hearing.
They include notifying the GMC of any post he accepts, and also informing any local health board which might employ him about the case.
He must also not treat family members or people who he has – or has had – a personal relationship with.
Last night, Dr Carter declined to comment on the allegations.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said it could not say anything about a live case, while Huntly FC also declined to comment.