Trigger-happy Scots see gun ownership soar to ten-year high

THE number of legally-owned firearms in Scotland has risen to a ten-year high, new statistics have revealed.

• There are 137,768 shotguns held in Scotland. Picture: TSPL

A total of 70,856 were held by certificate holders at the end of last year, 2 per cent more than in 2008. However, the number of people holding firearms certificate fell by 1 per cent.

There were also 137,768 shotguns held at the end of 2009, down 0.1 per cent on 2008, but 11 per cent higher than in 2000.

They were held by 50,308 shotgun certificate holders, an increase of less than 1 per cent on 2008, but 14 per cent lower than in 2000.

It is 14 years since the Snowdrop Campaign was launched in response to the Dunblane massacre of 16 children and one teacher by Thomas Hamilton, who had a licence for his two 9mm Browning HP pistols and two Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolvers.

A petition calling for a total ban on all privately owned handguns collected 705,000 signatures, and 160,000 firearms were handed over to police. However, since then there has been a growth in the number of weapons held in Scotland.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said the rise in official gun ownership rates reflected "the fact that firearms owners and dealers are taking their responsibilities more seriously".

He added: "Scotland's police forces are leading the way in making firearms owners aware of their responsibilities and having the right procedures in place to prevent firearms being used in criminal ways."

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Barker, who leads on firearms licensing at ACPOS, added: "The increase in registered firearms certificate holders is positive and shows that individuals who posses firearms for a legitimate reason are complying with legislation."

Craig Thomson, secretary treasurer of Cawdor Clay Pigeon Club, said the increase could also be attributed to the rising popularity of his sport.

He said: "I started the clay pigeon side of the club from scratch. Popularity of clay pigeon shooting has increased dramatically. We have huge areas that host wildlife and during the close season people want to practise shooting."

There are 6,701 licensed gun holders in the Northern Constabulary area, 4,528 in Grampian, 3,799 in Strathclyde, and 3,691 in Lothian and Borders. There are also 9,135 shotgun licenses holders in Strathclyde, 9,073 in Grampian and 8,727 in Northern. Jonathan Hall, head of rural policy for NFU Scotland, said: "Shotguns in particular continue to be an important tool in legitimate pest control."

Dr Colin Shedden, director of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation in Scotland, said: "Shooting is an important part of the Scottish economy, contributing through tourism, agricultural and conservation benefits 240 million per year."