William Cavanagh had previously given security advice to royalty
A security expert has been convicted of firearms offences after being caught with an illegal haul at his North Lanarkshire home.
The weapon parts found at William Cavanagh's home in Airdrie, included components for an AK47 rifle.
Cavanagh admitted 15 firearms offences and will be sentenced on 11 August.
The 47-year-old had previously offered top-level security advice to the Royal Family of Oman on keeping buildings safe from the threat of attack.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that an investigation was launched after the UK Border Force intercepted a package for Cavanagh sent from a major American gun firm in June 2014.
Days later it was discovered that another parcel from America had been delivered.
When it was found that he did not have a firearms licence his home was raided.
'Testing ideas'
Detectives seized a large haul of gun components including those for an AK47 rifle. They also found a pistol - dating back to the 1800s - as well as an air cartridge revolver.
An expert who examined the stash was of the view Cavanagh was "attempting to build a gun".
The court heard that Cavanagh headed a security based firm called Lynx Development Systems.
After working in the Middle East, he had returned to Scotland to set-up a "laboratory" to "test ideas" on how to keep buildings safe from gun attacks, which involved sourcing weapon parts.
The court heard that Cavanagh had previously met with a senior firearms officer to discuss his idea.
At his hearing next month, his lawyer will argue there are "exceptional circumstances" to avoid a mandatory five-year-jail term.
'Professional assistance'
Prosecutor Stewart Ronnie said: "The nature of his employment sees him work extensively in the Middle East.
"If his client base is in Syria etc then the typical weapon of choice would be an AK47."
His lawyer Graham Robertson told the court how Cavanagh had spent the last number of years working abroad including in Iraq.
"His contribution is one of technical expertise invited by various companies and members of certain royal families to render professional assistance," he said.
Sources close to the case confirmed the Royal Family of Oman had previously sought Cavanagh's advice.
Mr Robertson said he did not accept any "inference" that the security expert was trying to build a gun to supply abroad.
Judge Lord Burns deferred sentencing to 11 August in Aberdeen and remanded Cavanagh in custody, telling him: "I do not think it appropriate to continue bail."
