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

Godless Dave · 07-13-2006, 11:11 AM

From the BBC:

Airports join holiday weapon plea

Quote:

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.

The Lone Ranger · 07-13-2006, 12:10 PM

That sounds hard to believe. The article wasn't very clear: maybe it's not that owning a sword is illegal in Scotland, but being in an airport with one is?

Quote:

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

How on Earth do you conceal one of those?

Cheers,

Michael

Clutch Munny · 07-13-2006, 01:17 PM

Well, you could hide it behind that small moon.

Stormlight · 07-13-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Lone Ranger

Quote:

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

How on Earth do you conceal one of those?

Cheers,

Michael

slimshady2357 · 07-13-2006, 01:49 PM

I'm pretty sure it's the carrying of the weapons that is the problem. Most likely specifically the airport.

When I was in Edinburgh there were many shops where you could buy big ass knives and full on swords. So I can't believe it's illegal to own them.

California Tanker · 07-13-2006, 01:59 PM

Quite legal to own them. Enforcement of the carry law is pretty much up to the Constable's common sense: If you're brandishin it, you'll get nicked. If you're just carrying it to the local SCA meeting, you'll be fine. I brought a sword into the UK last year, customs didn't as much as blink.

NTM

Godless Dave · 07-13-2006, 02:00 PM

Oh, OK. Seems odd that there isn't a procedure for importing them.

wei yau · 07-13-2006, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clutch Munny

Well, you could hide it behind that small moon.

Veritas · 07-17-2006, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clutch Munny

Well, you could hide it behind that small moon.

Or Uranus.

Tourists to Scotchland take note: importing and using weapons is perfectly legal here as long as they've been deep-fried first.