Scottish Law. Where is a public place?

[northernsoul 0]

Hi,

Okay i wonder if some of you can help.

I soon will have my first air rifle and once i've done a bit of practice i will hope to "go live".

My father has 14 acres some field some rough, i also expect to get permission of the neighboring farm, 150 acres which i worked on as a kid, this will include some links ground teaming with rabbits. I also have some others up my sleeve.

 

My worry is this, i read some where else on this forum that it is illegal to carry or use an air rifle in a public place and that a public place constitutes anywhere which the public have free access.

In Scotland however in recent years ( can't remember when exactly ) all the land access laws have been changed and the public now have a "right to roam" on any land as long as they are not doing any damage, have a dog or a gun.

So the question is, is everywhere a public place which means you cannot use your air weapon there, or am i still okay on private land with the owners permission.

 

I am here quoting the law VERY roughly is there somewhere on this site or elsewhere i can check whats right and wrong.

 

The above would seem a bit silly i know but the question came into my head and i thought it better to ask know than later with a criminal record.

 

Thanks

Alan

[foxon 0]

Hi,

Okay i wonder if some of you can help.

I soon will have my first air rifle and once i've done a bit of practice i will hope to "go live".

My father has 14 acres some field some rough, i also expect to get permission of the neighboring farm, 150 acres which i worked on as a kid, this will include some links ground teaming with rabbits. I also have some others up my sleeve.

 

My worry is this, i read some where else on this forum that it is illegal to carry or use an air rifle in a public place and that a public place constitutes anywhere which the public have free access.

In Scotland however in recent years ( can't remember when exactly ) all the land access laws have been changed and the public now have a "right to roam" on any land as long as they are not doing any damage, have a dog or a gun.

So the question is, is everywhere a public place which means you cannot use your air weapon there, or am i still okay on private land with the owners permission.

 

I am here quoting the law VERY roughly is there somewhere on this site or elsewhere i can check whats right and wrong.

 

The above would seem a bit silly i know but the question came into my head and i thought it better to ask know than later with a criminal record.

 

Thanks

Alan

Hi Alan,

The land's you are looking to shoot over are Private, not a Public Place, Land that is farmed by Commoners can be classed as a Public Place, it all comes down to access Law's, if there are Public foot paths running across your land you will need to be mindful of the 50 rule. But you will not be breaking any law's shooting over Private farm land that you have permision to shoot over. Rule of thumb get writen permision for each land you shoot over from the land owner & get BASC membership with insurance benefit.

foxon.