An Edinburgh MSP has hit out against the opening of a gun shop on the same road as a primary school.

Labour's Edinburgh Southern MSP Daniel Johnson has expressed concern ahead of the planned launch of Edinburgh Rifles and Sporting Goods on Comiston Road in Morningside.

The firearms dealer, which operates online, hopes to open up at the former Harmonious Healthy The Chinese Clinic, offering a full range of new and used firearms, ammunition, reloading components, optics and accessories.

Mr Johnson has written to the Capital's top police officer, chief superintendent Gareth Blair, for his views on the decision to allow the gun shop to open just over 400ft away from South Morningside Primary School.

He said: "I was contacted by a number of constituents in the surrounding area that were, like me, concerned about the proximity of the proposed new gun and rifle store to South Morningside Primary School.

"I have written to the police on this issue, but they have no say on the location of the shop.

"Gun shops are rightly tightly regulated. I believe that if it is legitimate to determine who is able to be licensed to sell firearms, it follows that it is also legitimate to question where those sales happen.

"I believe that having a gun shop so close to a primary school is not appropriate or in the public interest."

Edinburgh Rifles and Sporting Goods already supplies firearms and ammunition to schools, universities and club target shooters. The company also offers training sessions and repair and modification services.

Owner Ed Bewsher told STV News: "I'm appalled that this can get so out of hand after one person's opinion.

"This is a business which has been running for some time. No-one has even contacted me to say they have concerns.

"It's a legal business heavily vetted by police. This could affect my business significantly - I would be devastated if that happens.

"Our laws and practices are very strict [in the UK] - it's one of the most controlled industries you could possibly have."

Police Scotland confirmed Mr Bewsher had yet to apply for authorisation to set up shop in Morningside.

Chief superintendent Gareth Blair, divisional commander for Edinburgh, said: "Any Registered Firearms Dealer is subject to a strict and rigid application and vetting process.

"In addition, an application by a registered dealer to move location requires appropriate consideration and a Crime Prevention Survey of the premises.

"As we have not received a formal application for this location it is not appropriate to comment further at this time."