Timing announced for air weapons licensing scheme

Airgun owners will require to hold a certificate from the end of this year, the Scottish Government has announced.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has laid an order in the Scottish Parliament setting the commencement dates for the new licensing regime introduced in the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

From 31 December 2016 it will be an offence to have an air weapon without the proper certificate or permit, unless a person is exempt from the need for a licence. Offenders under the Act face a fine or, in some cases, imprisonment of up to two years.

Anyone who wants to use or own an air weapon will be able to apply to Police Scotland for an air weapon certificate, or a permit in some circumstances, from 1 July 2016. This gives users six months to obtain a certificate before the new rules come into effect.

People who hold existing firearms or shotgun licences will not require a new certificate until their existing authority is due for renewal, unless they wish to purchase a new airgun before that time.

It is estimated there are currently around half a million unlicensed air weapons in Scotland.

Mr Matheson commented: “We are not banning air weapons outright, but ensuring that their use is properly regulated and users have a legitimate reason for them. We believe this legislation strikes the right balance between protecting communities and allowing legitimate shooting in a safe environment to continue.

“We will be publishing clear information on how air weapon owners can apply for a certificate or permit. I would encourage anybody with an air weapon to stay on the right side of the law by using the six months from 1 July to apply for the right to possess an air weapon.”

Police Scotland will also be running a campaign before 1 July, to allow people to hand in any unwanted air weapons before licensing takes effect.