Can You Legally Own a Gun in Scotland?
Yes, it is legal to own a gun in Scotland. However, owning a firearm in Scotland is highly regulated, and one must possess a valid firearm or shotgun certificate to own, purchase, or acquire a gun. The laws governing firearm ownership in Scotland are mainly covered by the Firearms Act 1968 and the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.
How Can One Obtain a Gun License in Scotland?
To obtain a gun license in Scotland, an individual must apply for a firearm or shotgun certificate from the local police. The application process involves:
- Completing an application form, which includes personal information, details of the firearm(s) to be owned, and the reason for owning the firearm(s).
- Providing two character references, who must have known the applicant for at least two years.
- Providing a passport-sized photograph, signed by one of the referees.
- Undergoing a background check, including a criminal record check and a medical report from the applicant’s doctor.
- Having secure storage facilities for the firearm(s), which will be inspected by the police.
- Paying an application fee.
Once the application is submitted, the police will decide whether to grant or refuse the certificate based on the applicant’s fitness to possess a firearm and the necessity of the firearm for the purpose specified in the application.
What Are the Laws and Penalties Surrounding Firearms in Scotland?
Scotland has strict laws surrounding the possession and use of firearms. Some key regulations include:
- Firearms must be stored securely in a locked cabinet when not in use.
- It is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in a public place without lawful authority or a reasonable excuse.
- It is illegal to sell or transfer a firearm to someone without a valid firearm or shotgun certificate.
- Individuals with certain criminal convictions are prohibited from possessing firearms.
Penalties for violating firearm laws in Scotland can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. For example, unauthorized possession of a firearm can result in up to five years in prison, while using a firearm to commit a crime can lead to a life sentence.
What is the Public Opinion on Guns and Firearms in Scotland?
Public opinion on guns and firearms in Scotland is generally negative, with most people supporting strict gun control measures. Following the 1996 Dunblane school massacre, public pressure led to the introduction of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, which effectively banned the private ownership of handguns in the United Kingdom. Since then, gun crime has remained relatively low in Scotland, and there is little appetite for relaxing firearm restrictions.
Which Guns Are Commonly Found in Scotland?
The most commonly found guns in Scotland are shotguns and rifles, which are primarily used for hunting, pest control, and target shooting. Handguns are extremely rare due to the strict regulations imposed after the Dunblane tragedy.
What Rules Govern Air Rifles and Airsoft Guns in Scotland?
Air rifles and airsoft guns are subject to the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015. Under this legislation, individuals must obtain an air weapon certificate to possess, purchase, or acquire an air rifle or airsoft gun with a muzzle energy above 1 joule. The application process for an air weapon certificate is similar to that for a firearm or shotgun certificate.
What is the Firearm Ownership per Capita and Other Gun Statistics in Scotland?
According to the Scottish Government, there were approximately 70,000 firearm and shotgun certificates on issue in 2020, covering around 140,000 firearms. This equates to roughly 13 firearms per 1,000 people in Scotland. Gun crime in Scotland is relatively low, with firearms being involved in only 0.2% of all recorded crimes in 2019-2020.
How Do Government Laws and Links Affect Gun Laws in Scotland?
Gun laws in Scotland are primarily determined by the UK Parliament, with some additional regulations introduced by the Scottish Parliament. The devolved administration in Scotland has the power to make further changes to gun laws, but it has generally chosen to maintain the strict controls imposed by the UK government. As a result, gun laws in Scotland remain among the most stringent in the world.