§ The Earl of Mar and Kellieasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is lawful to fire a shotgun from a boat in the middle of a river in Scotland, such as the River Forth; and, if so, which Act would be relevant. [HL723]
§ Lord SewelA person may fire a shotgun from a boat on a river in Scotland provided it is done in accordance with the terms of a shotgun certificate issued to him under the Firearms Act 1968, as amended, by the chief constable for the area in which he resides. However, Section 5(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the use of boats powered by engines to pursue wild birds (including wildfowl) for the purpose of killing or taking them.
§ The Earl of Mar and Kellieasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the ancient right to shoot on the foreshore in Scotland extends to any other person than the certificated owner of a shotgun; and [HL720]
In which Act the ancient right to shoot on the foreshore in Scotland is enshrined. [HL722]
§ Lord SewelThe ancient right to shoot on the foreshore in Scotland is a common law right. A person may shoot on the foreshore provided it is done in accordance with the terms of a certificate issued to him under the Firearms Act 1968, as amended, by the chief constable for the area in which he resides.