Can is be true? Is it really illegal to own a sword in Scotland?

[Godless Dave]

From the BBC:

Airports join holiday weapon plea

Holidaymakers are being warned not to bring back "souvenir" weapons from their summer holidays.
As part of a year-long anti-violence campaign, police and customs have joined forces with airport operator BAA Scotland to highlight the issue.

Every year Scots fail to heed the warnings and bring back potentially lethal weapons.

Ornamental swords, flick knives, death stars and knuckle dusters are some of the weapons confiscated in the past.

William Wallace would not be pleased.

In the US there are no restrictions on possession of swords, machetes, or fixed-blade knives, although there are local restrictions on carrying them in public. Switchblades over a certain length are illegal. I can't imagine going to the Renaissance Festival without carrying a sword or dagger. And I've found a machete useful when clearing trails for four-wheeling.

WTF. A sword is pretty difficult to conceal, and even with Scotland's crime problems I doubt there are many assaults with sword or axe.