The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has expressed concerns over a potential increase in the cost of firearms licensing applications in Scotland, following a Westminster committee report.

The Scottish Affairs Committee’s report draws together conclusions following its recent inquiry on firearms licensing regulations in Scotland, established in the aftermath of a tragic shooting on the Isle of Skye last year.

The report sets out recommendations including a two-tier application system and the alignment of existing shotgun licensing legislation, which BASC strongly opposed, challenged and gave evidence against.

The recommendations are outside of Scotland’s devolved powers on firearms licensing and for them to progress any further, significant legislative change would need to be enacted by the UK Government, says BASC.

Martin Parker, BASC’s head of firearms, explained: “A massive amount of work would be required for these recommendations to become law. To enact them would require a significant and substantial legislative change at Westminster, despite there being very little evidence to prove these changes would be constructive or beneficial in terms of public safety.”

On application fees, the committee argued that individuals who use firearms for recreation should pay the full cost of their applications and others who use firearms for their employment or other work purposes could continue to have their applications partly funded.

BASC Scotland is worried the increased costs from a two-tier system would deter recreational shooters, who contribute significantly to the rural economy.

It also claims there is inadequate or sufficient evidence to suggest that bringing shotgun certification in Scotland in line with firearms certification would bring significant benefits.

Recommendations on improving mental health assessment were welcomed, as recently the Scottish Firearms Licensing Practitioners Group, of which BASC is a member, provided information on mental health support in a joint leaflet with Police Scotland.

Peter Clark, BASC Scotland’s public affairs manager, said: “BASC Scotland was grateful for the opportunity to contribute both written and oral evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee on its review into firearms licensing regulations.

“As the committee pointed out, the current system ‘overwhelmingly’ works well, and it recognises that offences involving a firearm are ‘very rare’.

“We believe the system is fit-for-purpose as it stands and the introduction of increased application fees or the alignment of shotgun and firearms certification will do nothing further to improve public safety. We will continue to inform MPs and Ministers of our concerns as they scrutinise these recommendations in the coming months.”