Airgun owners in Scotland can apply for a licence from today, 1 July 2016

Anyone wishing to keep one or more air weapons will have to apply for a licence under the new law, introduced in the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015. The new rules tightening access to air weapons come into effect from 31 December 2016.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson, said: “I would urge anybody with an air weapon to stay on the right side of the law and apply to Police Scotland for a certificate straight away. Don’t put it off.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “I am delighted with the response so far from the public and would once again like to thank those responsible members of the public who handed in their unwanted air weapons. Whilst the formal surrender campaign has ended, I would urge anyone who still wishes to surrender an air weapon to hand it in at any police station as soon as possible. There is advice on our web-site about how to safely transport the weapon and I would ask members of the public to refer to it before setting off.”

Anyone found guilty of committing an offence under the new laws, including not having a licence, could face a fine or, in some cases, imprisonment of up to two years.

For anybody who plans not to have a licence, Police Scotland will support them to hand in their weapon safely.

• You can apply for a airgun certificate or permit here.  

• From 31 December 2016, it will be an offence to own or use an air weapon in Scotland without the proper certificate or permit. This includes buying an air weapon, someone giving one to you, or simply having an air weapon in your possession.