Shooting bodies back new firearms mental health partnership in Scotland

Shooting and gamekeeping organisations have joined a new firearms mental health partnership in Scotland that aims to support certificate holders and make it easier for them to ask for help. The Scottish Firearms Mental Health Awareness and Support Partnership, unveiled in June 2026, links field sports bodies with Police Scotland’s firearms licensing unit.

What does the partnership do?

The partnership brings together gamekeeping, farming, target shooting and mental health organisations with the aim of creating an environment in which firearms and shotgun certificate holders feel safe to report changes in their health and wellbeing. Its organisers say this reduces risk and contributes to suicide prevention in rural communities.

Chief Inspector Bruce Crawford, who leads the partnership, said: “This partnership has the potential to deliver huge benefits in the rural community, and this is very much down to the commitment, ideas, energy and enthusiasm being shown by the partners involved.”

Who is involved in the partnership?

Partners include the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust, BASC, the Countryside Alliance, Scottish Land & Estates, the Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association, the British Deer Society, the Scottish Association for Country Sports, NFU Scotland, the National Rifle Association, NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland. They are working alongside mental health charities including SAMH, Change Mental Health, Penumbra and the Canmore Trust, and with Suicide Prevention Scotland.

A film to start conversations

The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust has released a film on mental health and suicide, In This Together, which it launched in the Scottish Borders. The film draws on lived experience, offers practical guidance and signposts support services.

GWT chief executive Helen MJ Benson said: “We launched In This Together in the Scottish Borders and it has been incredibly well-received at subsequent screenings. We’re delighted to be part of the Scottish Firearms Mental Health Awareness and Support Partnership and fully support its work to normalise seeking help and improve access to effective support.”

Why does it matter for certificate holders?

Organisers stress that reporting a change in circumstances is a positive signal that an individual is acting responsibly and engaging with support, rather than an automatic threat to their certificate. For a community in which firearms are part of daily working life, that reassurance matters.

Anyone struggling can contact the Samaritans on 116 123, Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87, or the GWT’s Jamie’s Helpline on 0300 1233 088.