Following the independence referendum BASC Scotland has pledged to work with the Scottish Government to ensure shooting continues to be supported and encouraged. Shooting makes a positive and important contribution to Scotland and benefits the economy, tourism, conservation and the social landscape.
Colin Shedden, BASC Scotland director, said: “The latest research shows shooting influences the management of 4.5 million hectares of land in Scotland. It generates £200 million for the economy every year and supports the equivalent of 8,800 full-time jobs. Country sports tourism is responsible for 910,000 visitor nights and £155 million of spending.”
Alan Balfour, BASC council member and chairman of the BASC Scottish Committee, said: “BASC Scotland will be working on behalf of our members to ensure any new laws, policies or guidance are evidence-based and avoid unintended consequences by meeting the five principles of better regulation: they must be proportional, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted. We want to see policy which recognises and supports the benefits of shooting.”
The Scottish Government has stated its commitment to supporting the lawful use of firearms but its current proposals include a licensing system for airguns.
BASC remains opposed to the proposals for airgun licensing, which will result in an unnecessary, costly and bureaucratic system which will do nothing to reduce crime. Scottish Government figures show gun crime, including the misuse of airguns, is at its lowest level for 33 years.
Government figures show that in 2012 there were 48,168 police-approved shotgun certificates and 25,702 firearms certificates on issue in Scotland.
For more information please call BASC Scotland on 01350 723226 or the BASC press office on 01244 573052
Further information can be found here:
