They discovered a shortened loaded Russian-made shotgun and a loaded Japanese shotgun, and also found two handguns with ammunition, prosecutors said.

A firearm recovered by officers after they searched a storage unit used by Robert WeirA firearm recovered by officers after they searched a storage unit used by Robert Weir (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service/PA)

Robert Weir, 56, admitted multiple firearms offences at the High Court in Glasgow in March.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing 1.7kg of cannabis with a street value of £17,202 at his home.

Weir was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison at the court on Friday, the Crown Office said.

Prosecutor Sineidin Corrins, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “This was an important recovery of weapons that had the potential to cause significant harm.

“These weapons have now been taken out of commission and Robert Weir will spend a lengthy time in prison as a consequence of his crimes.

“This case underlines our commitment to continue working with the police and other agencies to ensure that these crimes are detected and those responsible prosecuted using all measures at our disposal.”

External view of the High Court in GlasgowWeir was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow (John Linton/PA)

Prosecutors said police attended the storage unit after a search of Weir’s home earlier in the day found cannabis in four vacuum-sealed bags, digital scales and two swords.

Officers found the firearms when they searched the metal shipping container Weir was renting.

The Crown Office said forensic analysis of the Russian shotgun showed it was in working order and was designed to discharge 16-bore shotgun cartridges.

The Japanese shotgun was constructed to discharge 12-bore cartridges and was constituted as a firearm.

Weir’s DNA was found on a number of the weapons, prosecutors said.