Reminder over air gun rules

Unwanted air weapons should be handed into police stations ahead of new licensing legislation coming into effect.

That’s the message from Police Scotland as a special campaign concluding on June 12 draws to a close.

New rules will make it illegal for anyone to possess an air weapon without a licence under the Air Weapon and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, which comes into force from December 31.

This broadly follows the existing principle and practices of firearms legislation and is said to promote public safety by ensuring that only a person fit to obtain a licence can own an air weapon.

Prior to the legislation coming into force, anyone holding an air weapon has the chance to either obtain a certificate or to surrender their weapon or weapons to the authorities.

The ongoing amnesty, launched on May 23 , has already seen more than 6000 weapons handed in to police stations across Scotland – including at Barrack Street in Perth.

Chief Inspector Mike Whitford said: “I would encourage anyone who has such a weapon to consider if they are likely to apply for a certificate under the new legislation and, if not, hand it in to one of designated stations.

“It will remove the risk from their family and other members of the public.”