Politicians have called for security to be stepped up at Peterhead Sheriff Court after a cache of weapons was seized at the front door.
Scissors, knives, a box cutter, a chain, a screwdriver and even a lightbulb have been confiscated from visitors to the court over the last three years.
Booze and syringes were also seized.
Last night, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service insisted the safety of those coming into the building, on Queen Street, was taken “very seriously” and that all confiscations are reported to the police.
According to the figures, obtained through freedom of information legislation, there were two knives, a screw driver and 40 syringes found in 2014/15.
There were no restricted items seized in 2015/16 but the following year, security staff confiscated a variety of weapons – including a box cutter, chain, glass bottle, razor blade and scissors.
Last night, shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr said the confiscations would come as a “shock” to many and questioned whether the increase was due to improved security or a rise in searches.
He said the potential costs of letting someone armed into the court is “unthinkable” and called for the courts service to beef up its security at Peterhead.
“The array of dangerous weapons confiscated at Peterhead Sheriff Court will shock many people,” Mr Kerr said.
“The question has to be if the increase in items from 2015/16 to 2016/17 was due to improved security or a rise in the number of searches.
“If not, then there is a problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
“The potential consequences of allowing people to enter a court building with some of these items are unthinkable.
“I know the Scottish Courts Service will take this very seriously, and if necessary, should be prepared to tighten up security.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service said: “The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service takes the safety of all court users very seriously.
“We work closely with partners, including the police, to take all reasonable precautions against weapons being introduced into court buildings.
“Any item which is considered to be a potential risk to public safety could be confiscated on entering a court building.
“The discovery of any weapon or potential weapon by staff is immediately reported to the police.”
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said it should act as a reminder that security at Peterhead Sheriff Court is of the “highest priority.”
He said: “The courts service is right to be vigilant and to make sure nothing is taken into a trial or hearing that could be used as a weapon or to threaten anyone giving evidence or attending court.
“People can of course carry scissors or razors for perfectly innocent purposes, but these confiscations should remind everyone that security will always be given the highest priority in courts and other public buildings.”
The items confiscated by staff at Peterhead Sheriff Court over the last three years were:
2014/15
Five bottles of alcohol
Two knives
A screwdriver
40 syringes
2015/16
No restricted items were found
2016/17
Six bottles of alcohol
One box cutter
One chain
One glass bottle
One knife
One light bulb
One multi-tool
One razor blade
Two pairs of scissors
