Highlanders surrender 1107 air weapons
The initial Air Weapon Surrender period is now complete with a total of 11,569 air weapons handed in to Police stations throughout Scotland.
Within Highland and Islands Division, 1107 air weapons were surrendered, which was the second highest amount from Scottish divisions. The majority of the weapons have already been sent for destruction.
Due to the resounding success of the initiative, and in order to further reduce the amount of air weapons in circulation, Police Scotland has extended the amnesty until December 31 and arrangements are in place at all Police stations within the division to allow for any unwanted weapons to be handed in for destruction.
Members of the public who no longer wish to keep an air weapon are encouraged to take the opportunity to hand it in to their nearest Police station before the end of the year.
Anyone who resides in a remote area and is unable to transport their air weapon to a Police station should contact Police on 101 and ask for an officer to collect the weapon from their home address. They will do all they can to accommodate your request.
The new licensing regime is not a ban on air weapons but a means of ensuring people can use air weapons in a regulated way without compromising public safety. The legislation aims to strike the right balance between protecting communities and allowing legitimate shooting in a safe environment to continue.
Full details of how to apply can be found at http://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/finance/service-fees-and-charges/firearms/air-weapon-licensing/
To keep or use an Air weapon after December 31 this year without a licence could result in prosecution under the Air Weapon and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015which carries penalties of a fine or up to two years imprisonment.
