Police Scotland received almost 19% more firearms licensing applications during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year than during the same period last year, according to newly published performance figures.
The force received 1,135 applications between 1 April and 30 June 2026, compared with 957 during the first quarter of 2025/26, an increase of 178 applications. The total included 259 firearm certificate applications, 368 shotgun certificate applications, 453 air weapon certificate applications and seven firearms dealer certificate applications.
The figures suggest demand for firearms and air weapon certificates in Scotland remains strong, despite continued regulatory changes affecting the wider shooting sector.
Police Scotland also maintained strong licensing performance during the quarter, processing 87.9% of grant applications within its 16-week target, up from 84.3% during the same period last year. Renewal performance remained high, with 97.7% of renewal applications completed before existing certificates expired.
During the reporting period, the force processed 1,044 grant applications and 4,885 renewals. All 22 registered firearms dealer certificate renewals were completed before expiry.
The report also records 530 visitor permits issued, one live temporary permit at the end of the quarter, 27 certificate revocations, 15 grant refusals and six renewal refusals.