A consultation was published by the Scottish Government on the 31st May that contains a section that covers Temporary Use of Land: Shooting Ranges. Section 6.2 and Question 30 of the consultation relates to the particular issue of 'Shooting Ranges'.
In summary, the Scottish Government is seeking views on proposals to remove an exemption which allows temporary use of land for up to 28 days per calendar year, without planning permission, from applying to shooting ranges for fixed targets.
How To Respond
A link to the consultation document is provided below and target shooters are encouraged to respond directly. It is possible to submit your views online or by email - details for responding can be found on the page in the link below. The consultation will close on Wednesday 23 August.
Additional Information
STS and colleagues from fields sports disciplines met with Scottish Government officials on 14 June 2023 to ascertain the potential impacts upon shooting activities.
The headlines from the meeting are that the consultation is a high level asking of a question – is there a need for change and if so, what would that look like. The SG are seeking answers in the consultation to these types of questions. It is important to note that this refers to development, which is defined in The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as “the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land , or the making of any material change in the use of any other buildings or other land”. Small scale, temporary activities such as the zeroing of rifles are unlikely to be affected.
We Want Your Views!
STS are working with colleagues on the Scottish Firearms Licensing Practitioners Group to discuss the potential impact of this. As well as responding directly, we would be grateful if members could contact us, highlighting any concerns in order that we are aware of matters ahead of any such discussions.
Members Responses
It is important that members respond to this consultation. We will be answering the consultation too as STS however, we would encourage members to address the consultation individually too. If you need any advice in respect of this, please don’t hesitate to contact the office.
Don’t forget, the consultation closes on Wednesday 23 August.