STATEMENT ON THE INTRODUCTION OF SCOTTISH AIR GUN LICENSING BILL.
Scottish Gamekeepers Association Firearms Representative Allan Hodgson said: “No one at The Scottish Gamekeepers Association would want to see people suffer through air gun misuse.
However, we feel this measure, which was rejected by nearly 90 per cent of those consulted by Scottish government, will be felt more by the law-abiding working people and recreational shooters who use air guns for legitimate purposes rather than the criminals it is meant to stop. There is already sufficient control written into firearms legislation to cover criminal acts.
“It will also place an even heavier resource and financial burden on Police Scotland who- we know from experience- already have their hands full coping with the workload of the present firearms licensing arrangements.
“At a time when gun crime has fallen dramatically, it is unfortunate that the Minister has ignored the clear will demonstrated by the consultation and used his devolved power to force an unwanted layer of bureaucracy upon legitimate firearms users and sporting enthusiasts.”
