BASC Scotland has received assurances from the Scottish Government that people with a good reason for carrying a knife, such as deer stalkers, shooters and gamekeepers will not be affected by a “zero tolerance” crackdown on knife crime in Scotland.
The recently announced “Festive zero tolerance crackdown on knives” extends previous initiatives in towns and cities to cover any location in Scotland. Press coverage has stated that anyone caught carrying a knife anywhere in Scotland between 1st December and 4th January 2013 could face up to four years in prison.
BASC Scotland has sought and received assurances from the Scottish Government that the existing exemptions are still in place for those having “good reason” for having an otherwise illegal knife; a locking knife or one with a blade over three inches. This would allow a deer stalker or gamekeeper, for instance, to have a knife with him or her while working.
Dr Colin Shedden of BASC Scotland said: “Whilst we support initiatives against knife crime, many people involved in shooting may have felt that they could no longer carry a knife for work, game shooting, pest control or deer stalking during this crackdown. Hopefully this message will reassure them that they can continue as before and that if they need a knife with them they can carry one.”
ENDS