BASC has updated its guidance on the new Scottish airgun licensing regime in response to information published by the Scottish government. A Frequently Asked Questions document which can be found here contains the latest up-to-date information.
The key points are:
Airgun owners will have from July to December 31st 2016 to apply for a certificate.
Existing firearm and shotgun certificate holders have until their renewal date to apply.
There will be no compensation available to those who choose to hand in their airguns.
Colin Shedden, Director BASC Scotland, said: “BASC opposed the introduction of air weapon licensing in Scotland. Offences involving air weapons had been declining significantly over the past seven or eight years and licensing was seen by many as disproportionate.
“However, with the legislation now in place, and certificates to be made available from July, we will do all that we can to help the many legitimate air weapon users in Scotland adapt to the new licensing regime. The six months ‘lead in’ period (before a certificate becomes a legal requirement) is shorter than we had anticipated and may present a challenge to Police Scotland staff, who will administer the new regime.”