What is involved in getting an Airgun license?

On the 1st of January 2017 the new Air Weapon and Licensing Act (Scotland) 2015 will be enforced and it will be a legal requirement for anyone in possession of an Airgun in Scotland to be licensed. This is a brand new licensing process and is far more stringent that most people realise.  Make sure you understand who can apply and what the key criteria are.

To help decide if you will need to apply for a license you can read our handy blog post on What is changing with Airguns and Will I be affected?

In order to apply for a license, you will need to meet these criteria:

• Be 14 years of age or older
• Not be a prohibited person because of previous convictions
• Be able to demonstrate good reason for owning an Airgun
• Be able to possess an airgun without “creating a danger to public safety or the peace”

For people over the age of 18, the certificate will last for 5 years.  If you are under the age of 18 the certificate will last until you turn 18.

Membership of an Approved Airgun Club, participating in competitions or showing access to suitable land upon which you carry out pest control are all good reasons an application could be based on.  The Government had expressed an intention to ban all “Plinking” ( informal, recreational target practice), but they are now indicating that some form of “Plinking” will be allowed, but it will be for the Police to decide on this on a case by case basis.

The Act specifically mentions that the Police must be satisfied that you are “able to possess an air weapon without creating a danger to public safety or the peace”.  In practice this means that any information that is discovered while checking on your background, even if it did not lead to a conviction, may be grounds for a refusal to grant a license.  

If you think you would like to apply but may have a concern about something in your past, many membership organisations provide free advice and  legal expenses insurance as part of a membership package.  Be aware that you should join ( if you have not already) before applying, otherwise you may find they refuse to cover your legal costs.

For many people it will, somewhat perversely, be easier to get a Shotgun Certificate granted (where there is no need to show good reason) than an Airgun license.   It is also worth bearing in mind that if you are a person who would be granted an Airgun License, you will probably be able to be granted a Firearms license, and could upgrade your airgun to above 12ft lbs or get a rimfire rifle to do the same job.

If you are a current Shotgun or Firearms certificate holder, you will not need to apply for an Airgun License until your first renewal after 1st January 2017.

For more information visit the Police website - http://airweapon.scot/how-to-apply