Respondents reject airgun licensing

Seven eighths of respondents oppose airgun licensing in Scotland, the latest analysis has revealed. No less than 87 per cent of people who responded to the government’s consultation rejected the idea of airgun licensing  – a total of 954 of the 1,101 respondents. Meanwhile, only 99 respondents said they supported licensing or that the government’s proposals did not go far enough. Justice minister Kenny MacAskill said the government would press on with its plans, however. He said: “We have always been clear that licensing will happen and this has been a valuable exercise in highlighting issues and drawing out concerns around our suggested changes. “It is important that we now consider all views submitted as we continue to develop a system of licensing that is fair, proportionate and practicable for police and shooters alike.”