Regions Europe Northern Europe United Kingdom Scotland

Scotland — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

For combined British figures and legislation, see 'United Kingdom'

expand all collapse all

StockpilesGun Numbers
Civilian Guns
Compare
Number of Privately Owned FirearmsChartThe estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Scotland is 

2017: 305,0001
2007: 280,0002
Compare
Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 PopulationChartThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in Scotland is 

2017: 5.61
2007: 5.52
Compare
Number of Privately Owned RiflesIn Scotland, the number of rifles in civilian possession is reported to be 72,0053
Compare
Number of Privately Owned ShotgunsIn Scotland, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 141,5694
Compare
Number of Privately Owned HandgunsThere are reportedly 5665 'handguns' in civilian possession in Scotland (see citation)
Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World RankingIn a 2007 comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Scotland ranked at No. 1056
Compare
Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World RankingIn a 2007 comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Scotland ranked at No. 932
Compare
Proportion of Households with FirearmsChartIn Scotland, the percentage of households with one or more guns is reported to be 

2005: 6.7%7
1999/2003: 3.1%
1995/98: 4.2%
1989: 5.1%
Compare
Proportion of Households with HandgunsChartIn Scotland, the percentage of households with one or more handguns is reported to be 

2005: 0.7%7
1999/2003: 0.1%
1995/98: 0.4%
1989: 0.4%
Compare
Number of Licensed Firearm OwnersThe number of licensed gun owners in Scotland is reported to be 73,8703 4
Compare
Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 PopulationThe rate of licensed firearm owners per 100 people in Scotland is 1.398
Compare
Number of Registered FirearmsChartThe number of registered guns in Scotland is reported to be 

2017: 187,0001
2013: 213,5743 4
Compare
Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 PopulationChartThe rate of registered guns per 100 people in Scotland is 

2017: 3.458
2013: 4.02
Compare
Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit FirearmsUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,9 but in Scotland there are estimated to be 

2017: 118,0001
Compare
Estimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 PopulationUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,9 but in Scotland the rate of such firearms per 100 people is estimated to be 

2017: 2.188
Government Guns
Compare
Routine Arming of PoliceIn Scotland, police officers on routine patrol do not carry a firearm10 11
Compare
Number of Law Enforcement FirearmsPolice in Scotland are reported to have 2,00012 firearms

ImpactsDeath and InjuryCompare
Total Number of Gun DeathsChartIn Scotland, annual deaths resulting from firearms total 

1113
11
1414
1315
1916
1117
1418
1319
2120
1921
1822
1223
1624
1325
2026
2527
3228
2029
4130 
Compare
Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.2113
0.21
0.26
0.25
0.36
0.21
0.27
0.25
0.41
0.37
0.35
0.24
0.32
0.26
0.40
0.49
0.63
0.39
0.81
Compare
Total Number of Male Gun DeathsChartIn Scotland, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total 

1113
11
14
10
17
Compare
Total Number of Female Gun DeathsChartIn Scotland, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total 

013
0
0
3
2
Compare
Homicides (any method)ChartIn Scotland, annual homicides by any means total 

5213
58
63
72
82
9931 32 33
115
120
95
137
109
125
11332 33
107
123
12834 33
100
95
135
137 
Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

0.2113
0.21
0.26
0.25
0.36
1.9
2.2
2.3
1.9
2.7
2.2
2.5
2.232 33
2.1
2.4
2.434 33
1.9
1.8
2.6
2.6
Compare
Male Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Scotland, annual male homicides by any means total 

3613
49
52
59
59
Compare
Female Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Scotland, annual female homicides by any means total 

1613
9
11
13
23
Compare
Gun HomicidesChartIn Scotland, annual firearm homicides total 

013
2
214
315 35
316 35
117 35
118 35
419 35
1020 35
721 35
622 35
223 35
324 35
525 36
426 36
727 36
828
529
2630 
Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

013
0.04
0.04
0.06
0.06
0.0217
0.0218
0.0819
0.2020
0.1421
0.1222
0.0423
0.0624
0.1025
0.0826
0.1427
0.1628
0.1029
0.5130
0.1937
Compare
Male Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Scotland, annual male firearm homicides total 

013
0
2
2
3
2
Compare
Female Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Scotland, annual female firearm homicides total 

013
0
0
0
0
1
Compare
Handgun HomicidesChartIn Scotland, annual handgun homicides total 

238
239
040
141
142
143
344
145
046
047
148
149
050
151
552 
Compare
Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.048
0.04
0.00
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.06
0.02
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.02
0.00
0.02
0.10
Compare
Long Gun HomicidesChartIn Scotland, annual long gun homicides total 

238
039
140
041
219 42
220 43
221 44
322 45
123 46
224 47
048
149
450
351
152 
Compare
Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of long gun homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.048
0.00
0.02
0.00
0.0419
0.0420
0.0421
0.0622
0.0223
0.0424
0.008
0.02
0.08
0.06
0.02
Compare
Gun Homicides (Other)ChartIn Scotland, annual gun homicides (other) total 

315 38
316 39
117 40
118 41
219 42
820 43
521 44
322 45
123 46
124 47
525 48
426 49
050
051
052 
Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of gun homicide (other) per 100,000 population is 

0.0615
0.0616
0.0217
0.0218
0.0419
0.1620
0.1021
0.0622
0.0223
0.0224
0.1025
0.0826
0.008
0.00
0.00
Compare
Suicides (any method)ChartIn Scotland, annual suicides by any means total 

54913
600
569
52753
568
568
569
517
542
547
606
560
636
609
648
637
649
599
597
623
624
615
569
525
535 
Compare
Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

10.2713
11.26
10.71
9.94
10.79
10.94
11.01
10.05
10.59
10.74
11.93
11.07
12.58
12.03
12.80
12.56
12.78
11.78
11.72
12.21
12.238 54
12.088
11.19
10.33
10.53
Compare
Male Suicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Scotland, annual male suicides by any means total 

39813
479
426
393
424
Compare
Female Suicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Scotland, annual female suicides by any means total 

15113
121
143
134
144
Compare
Gun SuicidesChartIn Scotland, annual firearm suicides total 

1013
6
1014
615 55
1316 55
1017 55
1318 55
619 55
920 55
1121 55
922 55
723 55
1024 55
725 55
1426 55
1427 55
1728 55
1029 55
1130 55
3455
19
29
18
20
20 
Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.1913
0.11
0.19
0.11
0.25
0.1917
0.2518
0.1219
0.1820
0.2221
0.1822
0.1423
0.2024
0.1425
0.2826
0.2827
0.3328
0.2029
0.2230
0.678
0.378 56
0.578
0.35
0.39
0.39
Compare
Male Gun Suicide VictimsChartIn Scotland, annual male firearm suicides total 

1013
6
10
5
12
Compare
Female Gun Suicide VictimsChartIn Scotland, annual female firearm suicides total 

013
0
0
1
1
Compare
Handgun SuicidesChartIn Scotland, annual handgun suicides total 

116
125 
Compare
Rate of Handgun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of handgun suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.0216
0.0225
Compare
Long Gun SuicidesChartIn Scotland, the number of long gun suicides is 

515
616
817
718
319
620
721
422
523
624
525
826 
Compare
Rate of Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of long gun suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.1015
0.1116
0.1517
0.1418
0.0619
0.1220
0.1421
0.0822
0.1023
0.1224
0.1025
0.1626
Compare
Gun Suicides (Other)ChartIn Scotland, annual gun suicides (other) total 

115
616
217
618
319
320
421
522
223
424
125
626 
Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide (Other) per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of gun suicide (other) per 100,000 population is 

0.0215
0.1116
0.0417
0.1218
0.0619
0.0620
0.0821
0.1022
0.0423
0.0824
0.0225
0.1226
Compare
Unintentional Gun DeathsChartIn Scotland, annual unintentional shooting deaths total 

113
2
0
115
0
119
120
122
124
057 
Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is 

0.0213
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.06
0.0219
0.0220
0.0222
0.0224
0.0057
0.0258
Compare
Unintentional Male Gun DeathsChartIn Scotland, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total 

113
2
0
0
0
Compare
Unintentional Female Gun DeathsChartIn Scotland, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total 

013
0
0
1
0
Compare
Unintentional Long Gun DeathsChartIn Scotland, annual unintentional shooting deaths by long gun total 

115
119
120
124 
Compare
Rate of Unintentional Long Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by long gun per 100,000 population is 

0.0215
0.0219
0.0220
0.0224
Compare
Unintentional Gun Deaths (Other)In Scotland, annual unintentional shooting deaths by firearm (other) total 

122
Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death (Other) per 100,000 PeopleIn Scotland, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by firearm (other) per 100,000 population is 

0.0222
Compare
Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn Scotland, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

013
1
214
315
316
219
120
121
222
323
224
125
226
427
728
529
430 
Compare
Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.048
0.0615
0.0616
0.0419
0.0220
0.0221
0.0422
0.0623
0.0424
0.0225
0.0426
0.0927
0.1428
0.1029
0.0830
0.0459
Compare
Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn Scotland, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

013
1
2
2
3
Compare
Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn Scotland, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

013
0
0
1
0
Compare
Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn Scotland, annual deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total 

115
216
119
120
121
222
223
224
125
126 
Compare
Rate of Long Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of unknown-cause long gun deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.0215
0.0416
0.0219
0.0220
0.0221
0.0422
0.0423
0.0424
0.0225
0.0226
Compare
Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined CauseChartIn Scotland, annual deaths by firearm (other) in which the cause remains undecided total 

215
116
119
123
126 
Compare
Rate of Gun Death (Other) from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of unknown-cause gun deaths (other) per 100,000 population is 

0.0415
0.0216
0.0219
0.0223
0.0226
Compare
Non-fatal Gun InjuriesChartIn Scotland, the annual number of non-fatal firearm injuries60 is 

9061 62
109
152
140
208
240
189
316
239
340 
Compare
Rate of Non-fatal Gun Injury per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Scotland, the annual rate of non-fatal firearm injury60 per 100,000 population is 

1.708
2.09
2.93
2.71
4.04
4.69
3.71
6.22
4.73
4.75

MeasuresGun Regulation
Firearm LawGuiding gun control legislation in Scotland includes the Firearms Act 1968 (see United Kingdom)63 and the Firearms (Scotland) Rules 198964
Firearm Regulation AuthorityGuns in Scotland are regulated by the Chief Officer of Police65 66 
Compare
Right to Possess FirearmsIn Scotland, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law67 68
Compare
Gun Ownership and PossessionIn Scotland, only licensed gun owners65 66 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition
Compare
Genuine Reason Required for Firearm PossessionApplicants for a gun owner’s licence in Scotland are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm69
Compare
Gun Owner Background ChecksAn applicant for a firearm licence in Scotland must pass a background check which considers mental health, health and criminal69 70 records
Compare
Reference Required for Firearm LicenceIn Scotland, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required71
Firearm Registration
Compare
Civilian Gun RegistrationIn Scotland, the law requires5 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register
Compare
Gun Dealer Record KeepingIn Scotland, licensed firearm dealers are required72 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority
Gun Sales and Transfers
Compare
Regulation of Dealer Gun SalesIn Scotland, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful72
Compare
Number of Licensed Gun DealersChartThe number of licensed firearm dealers in Scotland is reported to be 

2012: 35373
2011: 346
2010: 337
2009: 335
2008: 327
2007: 301
2006: 283
2005: 275
2004: 280
2003: 284
2002: 28574
2001: 273
2000: 278
1999: 283
1998: 295
1997: 313
1996: 319
1995: 328
1994: 350
Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition
Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - PrivateFirearm regulations in Scotland include65 66 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners
Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes
Compare
Surrendered in Gun AmnestyIn Scotland, the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered in recent arms amnesty and collection programmes is reported to be 3,39375 (2003)
Compare
Small Arms DestroyedIn Scotland, the number of firearms destroyed following amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be 80076 (2008)
Compare
Destruction and Disposal PolicyIn Scotland, it is state policy77 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

Short References

1.: Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation
2.: Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation
3.: Scotland.2013.‘Table 1: Firearm Certificates - Number of New Applications (Granted and Refused), Firearm Certificates on Issue and Firearms Held in Scotland as at 31 December, 2003-2013.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,29 May. (Q6813)Full Citation
4.: Scotland.2013.‘Table 5: Shotgun Certificates: Number of New Applications (Granted and Refused), Shotgun Certificates on Issue and Shotguns Held in Scotland as at 31 December, 2003-2013.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,29 May. (Q6814)Full Citation
5.: Scotland.2010.‘Firearm Certificates: Number of firearms possessed on certificate and firearms authorised to be purchased or acquired on certificate in force in Scotland at the end of the year by type of weapon, 2009.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,1 May. (Q2072)Full Citation
6.: Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation
7.: van Dijk, Jan, John van Kesteren and Paul Smit.2007.‘Ownership of Firearms and Handguns in Countries and Main Cities (percentages): 1989-2005 ICVS and 2005 EU ICS.’ Criminal Victimisation in International Perspective: Key findings from the 2004-2005 ICVS and EU ICS.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime / UNODC,1 January. (Q11816)Full Citation
8.: GunPolicy.org.2016.‘Calculated Rates - Scotland.’ Historical Population Data - Scottish Government Website (Riaghaltas na h-Alba).Edinburgh:Scottish Government,21 July. (Q4228)Full Citation
9.: GunPolicy.org. 2019. ‘Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 24 January. (G14) Full Citation
10.: BBC News. 2010. ‘Q&A: Armed Police in the UK.’ 8 June. (N287) Full Citation
11.: Keating, Joshua E.. 2011. ‘When Are British Cops Allowed to Carry Guns?.’ Foreign Policy (USA). 10 August. (N288) Full Citation
12.: Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation
13.: WHO.2016.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Causes of Death.’ WHO Mortality Data Base.Geneva:World Health Organisation,1 December. (Q13354)Full Citation
14.: Waiselfiz, Julio Jacobo.2015.‘Number and Rate of Gun Deaths in 90 Countries (Número e taxas de mortalidade por AF segundo causa básica em 90 países do mundo).’ Violence Map: Deaths by Firearms (Mapa da Violência: Mortes Matadas por Armas de Fogo).Brasilia:Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales / Latin American Social Sciences Institute,1 January. (Q11896)Full Citation
15.: Scotland.2012.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2011.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2011.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,8 March. (Q6773)Full Citation
16.: Scotland.2011.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2010.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2010.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,5 August. (Q6772)Full Citation
17.: Scotland.2010.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2009.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2009.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,6 August. (Q6791)Full Citation
18.: Scotland.2009.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2008.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2008.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,7 August. (Q6792)Full Citation
19.: Scotland.2008.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2007.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2007.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,1 August. (Q6793)Full Citation
20.: Scotland.2007.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2006.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2006.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,1 August. (Q6794)Full Citation
21.: Scotland.2006.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2005.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2005.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,1 August. (Q6795)Full Citation
22.: Scotland.2005.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2004.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2004.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,1 August. (Q6796)Full Citation
23.: Scotland.2004.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2003.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2003.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,1 August. (Q6797)Full Citation
24.: Scotland.2003.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2002.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2002.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,1 August. (Q6798)Full Citation
25.: Scotland.2002.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2001.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2001.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,1 August. (Q6799)Full Citation
26.: Scotland.2001.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 2000.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 2000.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,30 July. (Q6803)Full Citation
27.: Scotland.2000.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 1999.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 1999.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,20 July. (Q6804)Full Citation
28.: Scotland.1998.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 1998.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 1998.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,29 July. (Q6805)Full Citation
29.: Scotland.1998.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 1997.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 1997.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,29 July. (Q6806)Full Citation
30.: Scotland.1997.‘Deaths: External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality - Underlying Cause, Sex and Age-group, 1996.’ Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in Scotland, 1996.Edinburgh:General Register Office for Scotland,30 July. (Q6807)Full Citation
31.: Scotland.2012.‘Table 1: Homicide Cases, Victims and Accused Persons, Scotland, 2002-03 to 2011-12.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,5 November. (Q6611)Full Citation
32.: Scotland.2010.‘Cases and Victims Currently Recorded as Homicide by the Police in Scotland, 1999-00 to 2008-09.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,1 May. (Q2076)Full Citation
33.: UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Scotland.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6219)Full Citation
34.: Barclay, Gordon, Cynthia Tavares and Arsalaan Siddique.2001.‘Crimes Recorded by Police: Homicide.’ International Comparisons of Criminal Justice Statistics 1999.London:UK Home Office,1 May. (Q2143)Full Citation
35.: Scotland.2012.‘Table 1: Offences in which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved, Scotland, 2002-03 to 2011-12.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,4 December. (Q6601)Full Citation
36.: Scotland.2010.‘Firearm Offences, Scotland, 1999-00 to 2008-09 - Homicide.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,1 May. (Q2075)Full Citation
37.: Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1297)Full Citation
38.: Scotland.2012.‘Table 4: Offences in which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2011-12.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,4 December. (Q6600)Full Citation
39.: Scotland.2011.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2010-11.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,25 October. (Q6643)Full Citation
40.: Scotland.2010.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2009-10.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,26 October. (Q6644)Full Citation
41.: Scotland.2009.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2008-09.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,27 October. (Q6645)Full Citation
42.: Scotland.2008.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2007-08.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,1 October. (Q6809)Full Citation
43.: Scotland.2007.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2006-07.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,23 October. (Q6646)Full Citation
44.: Scotland.2006.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2005-06.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,21 November. (Q6647)Full Citation
45.: Scotland.2005.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2004-05.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,25 October. (Q6648)Full Citation
46.: Scotland.2004.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2003.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,27 October. (Q6649)Full Citation
47.: Scotland.2003.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2002.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,23 September. (Q6650)Full Citation
48.: Scotland.2002.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2001.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,12 September. (Q6651)Full Citation
49.: Scotland.2001.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 2000.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,1 September. (Q6655)Full Citation
50.: Scotland.2000.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 1999.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,1 September. (Q6652)Full Citation
51.: Scotland.1999.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 1998.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,1 October. (Q6653)Full Citation
52.: Scotland.1998.‘Table 4: Offences in Which a Firearm Was Alleged to Have Been Involved by Main Firearm Recorded, Scotland, 1997.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,1 October. (Q6654)Full Citation
53.: Scotland.2011.‘Table 1: Deaths for which the Underlying Cause was Classified as 'Intentional Self-harm' or 'Event of Undetermined Intent' by Sex and by Type of Cause: Registered in Scotland, 1974 to 2011.’ Probable Suicides: Deaths which are the Result of Intentional Self-harm or Events of Undetermined Intent.Edinburgh:General Registry Office for Scotland,1 January. (Q6602)Full Citation
54.: Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1302)Full Citation
55.: Scotland.2011.‘Table 2: Deaths for which the Underlying Cause was Classified as 'Intentional Self-harm' or 'Event of Undetermined Intent' by Method and by Place of Usual Residence: Registered in Scotland, 1974 to 2011.’ Probable Suicides: Deaths which are the Result of Intentional Self-harm or Events of Undetermined Intent.Edinburgh:General Registry Office for Scotland,1 January. (Q6603)Full Citation
56.: Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1298)Full Citation
57.: Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation
58.: Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1299)Full Citation
59.: Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1300)Full Citation
60.: GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Airgun-related Death and Injury in the United Kingdom and Its Countries.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 16 January. (G185) Full Citation
61.: Scotland.2012.‘Table 5: How Main Firearm Recorded Was Used in Offences Involving the Alleged Use of a Firearm, Scotland, 2002-03 to 2011-12.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,4 December. (Q6810)Full Citation
62.: Scotland.2012.‘Table 5A: How Main Identified Firearm, Other Than an Air Weapon, Was Used in Offences Involving the Alleged Use of a Firearm, Scotland, 2002-03 to 2011-12.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,4 December. (Q6811)Full Citation
63.: UK.1968.‘An Act to Consolidate the Firearms Acts - Geographical Extent: E+W+S.’ Firearms Act 1968.London:Parliament of the United Kingdom,30 May. (Q1382)Full Citation
64.: Scotland.1989.‘Rule 1: Citation, Commencement and Extent.’ Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989.Edinburgh:Scottish Parliament,1 July. (Q6708)Full Citation
65.: Scotland.1989.‘Rule 3: Firearm Certificates.’ Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989.Edinburgh:Scottish Parliament,1 July. (Q6709)Full Citation
66.: Scotland.1989.‘Rule 4: Shot Gun Certificates.’ Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989.Edinburgh:Scottish Parliament,1 July. (Q6713)Full Citation
67.: Sherman, Amy and Tom Ginsburg.2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation
68.: Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg and James Melton. 2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation
69.: Scotland.1989.‘Schedule 1: Firearms Certificates: Forms of Application and Certificate.’ Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989.Edinburgh:Scottish Parliament,1 July. (Q6710)Full Citation
70.: Scotland.1989.‘Schedule 2: Shot Gun Certificates: Forms of Application and Certificate.’ Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989.Edinburgh:Scottish Parliament,1 July. (Q6714)Full Citation
71.: Scotland.1989.‘Rule 5: Verification of Application and Rule 6: Statement to Accompany Application.’ Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989.Edinburgh:Scottish Parliament,1 July. (Q6711)Full Citation
72.: Scotland.1989.‘Rule 10: Firearms Dealers.’ Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989.Edinburgh:Scottish Parliament,1 July. (Q6712)Full Citation
73.: Scotland.2013.‘Table 8: Firearm Dealers - New Applications for Registration (Granted and Refused) and Number of Firearm Dealers Registered in Scotland as at 31 December, 2003 to 2012.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,29 May. (Q6862)Full Citation
74.: Scotland.2004.‘Table 6: Firearms Dealers: New Applications for Registration (of which Granted and Refused) and Dealers Registered at 31 December, 1994-2003, Scotland.’ Scottish Government, Crime and Justice Datasets.Edinburgh:Justice Analytical Services Division,27 May. (Q6863)Full Citation
75.: UK.2003.‘Great Britain - England & Wales and Scotland.’ Firearms and Ammunition Handed In During the Firearms Amnesty 2003.London:UK Home Office,11 July. (Q6816)Full Citation
76.: BBC News. 2008. ‘Police Destroy Huge Firearm Cache.’ 14 March. (N296) Full Citation
77.: Stavrianakis, Ann, In: Faltas, Sami and Vera Chrobok (Eds.).2004.‘Storage and Destruction of Surplus Small Arms.’ Disposal of Surplus Small Arms: A survey of policies and practices in OSCE countries.Bonn:Bonn International Center for Conversion, BASIC, Saferworld, and the Small Arms Survey,1 February. (Q3926)Full Citation

Search, View and Navigation

Find Gun Policy Facts

Go To ..

Scotland — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

CompareNumber of Privately Owned Firearms

CompareRate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

CompareNumber of Privately Owned Rifles

CompareNumber of Privately Owned Shotguns

CompareNumber of Privately Owned Handguns

CompareNumber of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

CompareRate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

CompareProportion of Households with Firearms

CompareProportion of Households with Handguns

CompareNumber of Licensed Firearm Owners

CompareRate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

CompareNumber of Registered Firearms

CompareRate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

CompareEstimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

CompareEstimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 Population

CompareRoutine Arming of Police

CompareNumber of Law Enforcement Firearms

CompareRate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

CompareTotal Number of Male Gun Deaths

CompareTotal Number of Female Gun Deaths

CompareRate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

CompareMale Homicide Victims (any method)

CompareFemale Homicide Victims (any method)

CompareRate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

CompareMale Gun Homicide Victims

CompareFemale Gun Homicide Victims

CompareRate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

CompareMale Suicide Victims (any method)

CompareFemale Suicide Victims (any method)

CompareRate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

CompareMale Gun Suicide Victims

CompareFemale Gun Suicide Victims

CompareRate of Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Gun Suicide (Other) per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

CompareUnintentional Male Gun Deaths

CompareUnintentional Female Gun Deaths

CompareRate of Unintentional Long Gun Death per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Unintentional Gun Death (Other) per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

CompareMale Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

CompareFemale Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

CompareRate of Long Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Gun Death (Other) from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

CompareRate of Non-fatal Gun Injury per 100,000 People

CompareGenuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

CompareGun Owner Background Checks

CompareReference Required for Firearm Licence

CompareCivilian Gun Registration

CompareGun Dealer Record Keeping

CompareRegulation of Dealer Gun Sales

CompareNumber of Licensed Gun Dealers

CompareFirearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

CompareSurrendered in Gun Amnesty

CompareSmall Arms Destroyed

CompareDestruction and Disposal Policy

Short References

Citation for this Article

Additional Information

Search Gun Policy News

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms

Compare
Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Rifles

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Handguns

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

Compare
Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

Compare
Proportion of Households with Firearms

Compare
Proportion of Households with Handguns

Compare
Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

Compare
Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

Compare
Number of Registered Firearms

Compare
Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

Compare
Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

Compare
Estimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 Population

Compare
Routine Arming of Police

Compare
Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Compare
Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

Compare
Total Number of Male Gun Deaths

Compare
Total Number of Female Gun Deaths

Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Male Homicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Female Homicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Male Gun Homicide Victims

Compare
Female Gun Homicide Victims

Compare
Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Male Suicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Female Suicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Male Gun Suicide Victims

Compare
Female Gun Suicide Victims

Compare
Rate of Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide (Other) per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

Compare
Unintentional Male Gun Deaths

Compare
Unintentional Female Gun Deaths

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Long Gun Death per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death (Other) per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

Compare
Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

Compare
Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Gun Death (Other) from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Non-fatal Gun Injury per 100,000 People

Compare
Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Compare
Gun Owner Background Checks

Compare
Reference Required for Firearm Licence

Compare
Civilian Gun Registration

Compare
Gun Dealer Record Keeping

Compare
Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

Compare
Number of Licensed Gun Dealers

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Compare
Surrendered in Gun Amnesty

Compare
Small Arms Destroyed

Compare
Destruction and Disposal Policy