MSP COLIN BEATTIE HIGHLIGHTS AIR GUN AMNESTY

SNP MSP Colin Beattie has highlighted a Police Scotland amnesty on unlicensed air guns – and urged those who do not intend to have their weapon licensed to make use of the amnesty, which runs for another two weeks. The scheme, launched last week, has seen more than 2,000 weapons handed in to police stations across Scotland.

The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act comes fully into force in December this year and will make it an offence, from July 2016, for a person who owns an air weapon not to have a licence for it. This broadly follows the existing principle and practices of firearms legislation and will protect public safety by ensuring that only a person fit to obtain a licence can own an air weapon.

Commenting, Mr Beattie said:

“I am encouraged by the response from the public to this air weapon amnesty, which has led to 2,000 weapons being taken off our streets. 

“From the 1st of July this year new legislation will require everyone who has an air weapon to have a licence to keep it – this is to ensure that such weapons are only ever used in a safe and responsible way.

“I would encourage anyone who owns an air gun, but does not intend to license it, to take advantage of this amnesty and hand the weapon in to a designated police station.”