Scottish courts searched for explosives after bomb threats received
Two courts have been swept for explosives after bomb threats were made against the buildings.
Security staff at Paisley Sheriff Court, near Glasgow, and Alloa Sheriff Court, near Stirling, were told to search the premises for possible explosives.
Police officers made the requests of security officers from security firm OCS yesterday, Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
A source said: "Police officers were told about threats being made that the buildings were going to be blown up.
"The security staff were then asked to sweep the buildings for a potential bomb.
"There's security officers stationed at the front door of Paisley Sheriff Court every day.
"They get people to pass through metal detectors before they enter the building.
"They also check people's bags on the way in to make sure nobody brings weapons or anything sharp into the building with them.
"But conducting sweeps for explosives and scouring nooks and crannies for bombs isn't in their normal duties.
"Nobody in the court could really believe it had to happen but it did.
"The police asked them to search the building and make sure there were no explosives anywhere, so they did.
"The building was searched and luckily nothing was found.
"They weren't expecting to find anything as it was thought it was an empty threat but they had to be sure, just in case.
"Alloa Sheriff Court was searched as well and again nothing was found.".
A spokesperson for the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service, the body in charge of the building, said: "A bomb threat was received yesterday at Alloa and Paisley Sheriff Courts.
"Police were informed and comprehensive safety checks were undertaken. No risk was found."
Police Scotland and OCS, the security firm which holds the contract for the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service, have been approached for comment.
OCS states it provides "Total Facilities Management services across the SCTS estate".
The OCS website adds: "Since 2011, OCS and SCTS have collaborated to ensure high-quality, efficient, and sustainable facilities management across 74 sites, including parts of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Office (COPFS), Scotland’s Prosecution Service."
The firm says it delivers "a comprehensive range of services" and adds: "these include cleaning, maintenance services, security, and project management, with a strong focus on social value, innovation, energy efficiency, and continuous improvement.
"This ensures the continued maintenance and enhancement of Scotland’s historic courts and tribunals estate."
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