Everyone knows the damage that can be caused by firearms and airguns that are used irresponsibly and dangerously. The Scottish Government is clear that it is not acceptable for communities to continue to suffer as a result of the selfish and stupid actions of those who treat guns as toys.
The Scottish Government respects the rights of those who use firearms and airguns weapons safely and responsibly, but is taking action to educate those who would use weapons dangerously.
A Firearms summit was held in 2008, where a wide range of campaigners and experts agreed that firearms legislation is too complex and confusing and should be reformed. The law must be understandable, enforceable and should ensure the safety of Scotland's communities.
Since then the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has approached the Westminster Government to secure action at a UK level, given their responsibility for the law in this area. The Home Secretary continues to refuse to take action either to reform firearms legislation or to put greater controls on airguns, but we will not cease to highlight this issue and push the UK Government.
Firearms campaign
Meanwhile, we are educating the people of Scotland on the dangers and consequences of the irresponsible use of these weapons by launching a firearms information campaign.
The campaign is supported by a wide variety of organisations including the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Gun Control Network, Crimestoppers, the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Scottish Target Shooting Federation, and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. It is encouraging that all these bodies have shared their knowledge and experience with the common purpose of making Scotland a safer place.
The campaign messages are simple:
- Firstly, airguns are not toys: in the wrong hands, they are potentially lethal weapons. If you use them irresponsibly you could cause injury to other people and end up facing a fine or even prison.
- Secondly, there can be very few, if any, reasons for a person to be out on the streets of our towns and cities with a replica gun or rifle. As well as causing alarm for other people within the community, it places the owner in danger if the police are asked to respond.
- Thirdly, we want anyone with a firearm, airgun or replica gun who has no good reason to keep it, to get rid of it safely. Such weapons should be handed to the police to get them out of communities.
The campaign involves posters, leaflets, and adverts online, in bus shelters and phone boxes, and is targeted in particular at the areas across Scotland with the greatest problem of airgun misuse. You can download the campaign materials for use in your area from this site.
Next Steps
The Scottish Government will continue to work with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, shooting and gun control interests, local authorities and others to do all we can to end the irresponsible and dangerous use of firearms in our communities. We in Government will continue to push for a firearms regime that is simpler to understand, administer and enforce, and which makes public safety its main goal.
Anomalies in the current law
There are a number of anomalies in the legislation as it stands, including:
- At present the minimum age for the grant of a firearm certificate is 14 years. There is no minimum age for the grant of a shotgun certificate
- Permission must be sought and obtained prior to any firearm being acquired. Similarly permission to acquire any calibre of ammunition required to be requested and granted prior to the holder obtaining same. Shotgun certificate holders may acquire (any number) of shotguns without prior permission being granted
- If a problem were to arise with a registered firearms dealer, there is no provision to close the business immediately, as the Chief Officer is required to give a 'reasonable period of notice' before removing the name from the register
The Scottish Government is committed to arguing this case for a change and is running a public information campaign highlighting the consequences and dangers of airgun and imitation firearms misuse. This was launched by the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill on March 27, 2009.