A man who used a metal detector to try to find a hidden handgun has been jailed for more than six years.
Liam McDermid, 25, admitted his involvement in serious organised crime after being spotted by a police surveillance operation while searching for the firearm in undergrowth in Edinburgh.
This is the first prosecution under Police Scotland’s Operation Portaledge, which was launched in response to gang violence that blighted the east and west of the country earlier this year.
Judge Lord Arthurson told McDermid only a “significant custodial disposal” would be appropriate in the case.
In his sentencing statement, the judge said: “The public interest in suppressing and punishing such serious organised criminal activity is extremely high, particularly so when, as in this case, lethal weapons are involved.
“The citizens of Edinburgh have been understandably and indeed rightly concerned by the recent upsurge in such criminality in their communities.
“In these exceptional circumstances, there requires accordingly, in my view, to be some degree of exemplary component in respect of the sentence to be imposed upon you today.
“This offence was planned and coordinated, and had clear links to serious and organised criminal activities.”
A court earlier heard how McDermid was observed by police surveillance officers getting a taxi to Edinburgh’s Roseburn Street on 5 June.
After visiting a shop, he was watched as he made his way to the Roseburn Path area of the Scottish capital.
Roseburn Path is a former railway line surrounded by dense shrubland and trees, and now serves as a popular walking and cycling route.
McDermid disappeared from view before emerging from the bushes with his face covered and with a metal detector.
He ditched the device after being unable to find the gun and was seen speaking on a black iPhone.
Officers swooped in to detain McDermid, and he was found to have gloves, a balaclava, and £320 in his possession.
Analysis of his mobile phone found he had carried out Google searches on how to use a metal detector, and text messages sent to another person included him saying he was going to “Gorgie to find that thing for him”.
The metal detector was recovered by officers, and a few days later, on 11 June, officers found the firearm and a magazine containing 10 rounds of 9mm bullets.
Lord Arthurson noted how the potentially lethal weapon was discovered during term time near to a nursery and junior buildings of a school.
McDermid last month pleaded guilty to a charge of being involved in serious organised crime. He returned to the High Court in Edinburgh for sentencing on Thursday.
Lord Arthurson highlighted the criminal’s lengthy record and noted how he was the subject of a restriction of liberty order (RLO) at the time of the gun incident.
Despite multiple convictions, up until now, he had never served a custodial sentence.
The judge noted the defendant’s history of cocaine misuse and adverse childhood experiences, adding: “You have a misplaced sense of loyalty to your criminal peers.”
McDermid, who was said to have expressed remorse for his offending, was jailed for six years and nine months.
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More than 60 people have been arrested as part of Operation Portaledge, with the criminal activity including properties firebombed and shots fired in the nation’s streets.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said the recovery of the gun formed part of a “long and incredibly complex investigation”.
He added: “Liam McDermid is now facing the consequences of his actions.
“I hope this sentence sends a message to those involved in serious criminality that we remain determined to bring you to justice.”
