Air weapon licensing in Scotland: guide

11. Requirements for Recreational Shooting Facilities

The term "recreational shooting facility" is defined at section 23 of the 2015 Act as:

• A miniature rifle range or a shooting gallery at which air weapons are used; or
• A facility for combat games which involve using an air weapon

which is operated with a view to making a profit.

Any person who operates a recreational shooting facility of this type, whether it is a permanent feature such as a combat games site, or a temporary or travelling stall at a show or gala, must be licensed to use, possess, purchase or acquire air weapons. They should, therefore, hold or (if not an individual) ensure that the individual responsible for the management and operation of the facility holds, an air weapon certificate.

In addition, at all times that the facility is in use, the operator must display the certificate (or a copy of it) prominently on the facility so as to be capable of being read by anyone considering whether to use air guns at the facility.

Failure to comply with these requirements is an offence and could lead to a fine and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.