A VIDEO that was filmed inside a court in Dumbarton has been watched thousands of times on TikTok - but other users of the popular social media app have been warned they face prosecution if they're caught doing something similar.

The recording, which lasts only 15 seconds, captures footage outside the courtroom before clips are shown of inside one of the courtrooms at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

Throughout the clip the faces of solicitiors, police officers and court staff can be clearly seen before the day's business began.

The clip was uploaded by TikTok user 'scottishqueen10' in February and has so far attracted 4,000 views.

But the video is against the rules set down for the use of recording devices in Scotland's courts.

Anybody attending the court is advised to turn their phone off within the building - while use of phones within a courtroom itself is strictly forbidden.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service says anyone making a recording, whether video or audio, within a court building without permission risks being prosecuted for a contempt of court.

A spokesperson told the Reporter: “Any recording within the sheriff or justice of the peace courts requires the permission of the sheriff principal. 

"Anyone taking photographs or filming without prior permission may be found in contempt of court.”