technology straight out of a science fiction film is to be used at Scotland's busiest airport to help staff deal with customer queries.

Just a few months after its launch, Google Glass has already been used in medical trials and by police forces in Dubai and New York.

Now, in a Scottish first, staff at Edinburgh Airport are to use the headsets in a trial scheme running until the end of the year.

The airport's customer welcome team will be using the eyewear to help give passengers flight information, translations and answer general queries about the airport and the capital. The equipment is being tried out in the check-in hall.

Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: "We are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve the airport experience for our passengers and the Google Glass trial is a great example.

"The fact it is the first trial of its kind in a Scottish airport is exciting as it shows we are leading the way in how we interact with our passengers.

"Over the next few months we will be able to establish whether this product is suitable for an airport environment."

Google Glass is a type of wearable technology with an "optical head-mounted display".

It works by displaying digital information in a hands-free format, similar to what you would find on a smartphone.

Those wearing a pair of glasses are able to communicate via the internet using voice commands and take pictures just by winking.

However, the technology has also been controversial, with several cinemas banning their use over piracy fears and road safety campaigners expressing concerns over drivers using them while behind the wheel.

Privacy campaigners yesterday raised concerns over the potential for intrusion, the ethics of using the device in public and recording people without their permission.

Emma Carr, director of Big Brother Watch, said Edinburgh Airport should think very carefully whether the technology was appropriate for the transport hub.

She said: "The danger with Google Glass is that the camera is seeing what you see, all the time, while the microphone allows nearby conversations to be eavesdropped on.

"It is impossible to guarantee against these devices being hacked, so it is surprising this technology is allowed anywhere like an airport or Government buildings.

"Google Glass offers a uniquely detailed view of your life and your surroundings and, while Google's main interest is selling advertising, there are a whole range of reasons why other people might seek to do all they can to get access to a device.

"The only way to protect ­yourself and the people around you is to not wear them.

"Edinburgh Airport should therefore think very carefully about whether this is appropriate technology to use in an airport."

But Ernie Patterson, chairman of airport service firm Omniserv, said: "The investment in wearable technology will allow our staff to remain fully mobile and change the way we access and provide information to our passengers.

"Although this is at a trial stage, the potential opportunities this technology could offer to our business are very exciting."