A wild camper caught with arrows, knives and an axe in a tourist town street is to argue in court that his armoury was not illegal.

Matthew Wood (35) was arrested in May with the items on him.

At Stirling Sheriff Court yesterday (Tuesday 20 January) he appeared accused of possessing “a quantity of arrows and arrow heads”, three knives, and the chopper in Main Street, Callander, contrary to the Scottish Parliament’s anti-blade laws.

Wood, of Stoney Lane, Huddersfield, who travelled from Yorkshire’s West Riding for the case, pleaded not guilty at a pre-trial review.

The court was told Wood admitted having the items, but would argue he had a reasonable excuse and no offence was therefore committed.

The incident is said to have taken place on 24 May 2014.

Defence agent Alisatair Ross said he hoped to make representations to the Crown to get the case dropped.

Depute fiscal Adrian Fraser said the Crown had cited six witnesses - one civilian and five police officers.

Sheriff William Gilchrist said: “Oh, I thought it might be straightforward.” Wood said afterwards: “I had them because I was wild camping. The police just took a dislike to my face. They tried to get me for poaching, and when they realised they couldn’t do that, they arrested me for this.” Trial has been set for 12 February.