A firearm was seized by police last month – at Irvine’s Royal British Legion Club.

The Times was told this was regarding a rifle, which was innocently on display in the branch, however not properly decommissioned beforehand.

Police have said that no criminality was established at the club and advice was given to the the armed forces charity’s branch by officers.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At around 3pm on Tuesday, March 20, Police officers in Irvine attended a premises on West Road and seized a firearm used for display purposes only for further enquiries.

“No criminality has since been established in connection with this incident and advice and assistance was given.”

The Irvine branch of the Royal British Legion was contacted but did not wish to comment at this time.