News
Firearms licensing: recommendations for changes
You will likely know that the Home Office issued a Firearms Licensing consultation in June 2023 in respect to the Keyham tragedy, the subsequent reports by the Coroner and the IOPC in respect of the circumstances and also the views of the Scottish Affairs Committee in their review of firearms licensing in Scotland.
RELM Partners rough shooting guidance
RELM partners have developed this rough shooting guidance in readiness for the new Hunting with Dogs Act coming into force later in the year, although the actual date when the new law takes effect is yet to be confirmed by the Scottish Government.
Firearms licensing: a consultation on recommendations for changes made to the Home Office
As you are likely aware, the Home Office has launched a consultation in respect of firearms licensing matters in England, Wales and Scotland.
Whilst we will be responding formally prior to the closure of the consultation on 23 August 2023, the following reflects our views at this time in respect of the questions asked in the consultation
Firearms Licensing Statistics – 2023
The Home Office and Police Scotland have recently published statistics in respect of certification of firearms, including shotguns in England and Wales and Scotland respectively.
The Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill
The Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill is currently working through evidence sessions in the Scottish Parliament. We continue to work with our RELM partners, including the Scottish Countryside Alliance, on challenging the disproportionate elements of this proposed legislation.
Scottish Parliament Petition - Recognise legal control of generalist predators as a conservation act.
Our colleagues at the Scottish Gamekeepers Association recently submitted a petition asking the Scottish Parliament to recognise control of generalist predators as similar to habitat restoration as an act of conservation.
Firearms Licensing Consultation
On Thursday, 29 June 2023, the UK Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire, Chris Philp, MP, published the UK Government’s response to the Keyham tragedy, the subsequent IOPC report and the considerations of the Scottish Affairs Committee in respect of firearms licensing.
Scottish Government consultation - change to planning laws in respect of temporary shooting ranges involving fixed targets.
The SG have published a consultation in respect of planning matters for temporary ranges involving fixed targets.
Firearms Licensing Fees
The Home Office are currently reviewing the fees for firearms licensing matters. The fees were last increased seven years ago. It is the stated position of the Home Office to move towards full cost recovery. Work is ongoing to establish what these costs are and the Home Office have engaged with the police and the shooting organisations in this regard.
Reasonable rights to access – Scottish Outdoor Access Code
At this time of year, we at SACS usually get an increase in calls from members about access rights in Scotland. As shoots get ready for the arrival of poults, the weather gets warmer, and people are usually keen to enjoy the countryside.
Health and Safety at Work Day
World Day for Safety and Health at Work takes place on April 28 every year. It is sobering to think that every day, about 6500 people die because of accidents that happen on the job, as well as work-related diseases. That is 2.3 million deaths in a year.
Keyham Murders – HM Coroner’s Reports
You will be aware of the recent media reporting in respect of reports sent to a number of agencies from HM Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon in relation to the murders of five people on 12 August 2021 in Keyham, Plymouth…
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland)
The Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 24 January 2023. The bill will become law after it has received Royal Assent, probably in the summer…
Catching-up Pheasants - an update
Given the difficulties involved by most shoots in obtaining game birds last year, we are sure that more shoots will be looking to catch up hen pheasants, partridges or ducks this year…
General Licences
NatureScot have just published the General Licences for 2023 on their website…
Licensing Consultation
Between 24 October and 212 November 2022, the Scottish Affairs Committee of the UK Parliament at Westminster heard evidence from shooting organisations, Police Scotland, Scottish Ministers, UK Ministers and policy officials in respect of firearms licensing matters…
Bird Flu in Geese
There has been a warning issued about bird flu amid pink-footed geese deaths in Moray. Members with an interest in wildfowling…
The Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill
You may be aware that the Scottish Parliament is examining the proposed legislation presented by the Scottish Government in respect of hunting with dogs in Scotland. This legislation, if passed in its current form would present difficulties…
NIFRG Press Release
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA has agreed to support organisations challenging the poor performance of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Firearms and Explosive Branch (FEB).