Man to face trial after police seize 'explosives recipes and 3D weapon blueprints'

A man is to stand trial next year accused of terrorism offences.

Simon Lott, 52, was charged after police, firefighters, and an explosive unit swooped on a house in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, in November 2023.

Prosecutors claim Lott was in possession of gunpowder at the property.

It is said he had “documents containing recipes for explosive substances” as well as blueprints for 3D printed weapons, a knife, a stab-proof vest and images showing Nazi symbols.

Lott allegedly also had press identity cards and jackets along with a will dated November 10, 2023.

Among the accusations are claims Lott had information kept at the house “likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism”.

He is said to have stored documents on a laptop for instructions to produce and make different chemicals.

Lott, still of Airdrie, faces three charges under the Terrorism Act and two more related to the Explosive Substances Act.

Brian McConnachie KC, defending, told a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow: “This case had somewhat of a history and has been put off on a number of occasions.

“I have relatively recently come into the case, and he pleads not guilty to the indictment.”

The advocate added defence inquiries are ongoing, but agreed along with prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel that a trial could be set.

Lord Scott went on to fix a date, and it is scheduled to begin in October 2027.

The case could last around six days.

Lott remains on bail.