What engagement it has had with the UK Government regarding its plans to undertake a consultation on merging sections 1 and 2 of the Firear…

As firearms legislation is reserved, the Scottish Government maintains engagement with Home Office officials on preparations for the public consultation planned for early 2026. This work will continue through established stakeholder forums comprising the Home Office, Police Scotland, shooting representative bodies, and Scottish Government officials. This process will ensure that perspectives from all relevant sectors are appropriately captured and that consultation responses are assessed in a thorough and balanced manner.We understand that the consultation will seek views on strengthening shotgun licensing controls, bringing them more into line with those applied to other firearms in the interests of public safety and in light of the recommendations made. Any outcomes from the consultation relating to the potential merging of section 1 and section 2 firearms will be addressed within the resulting recommendations.