17 Sep 2026
By Ling Deng, Associate, Litigation, Gilson Gray
Refusals, revocations and appeals
Shotgun ownership in Scotland is lawful, but it is closely regulated. While many people obtain or renew a shotgun certificate without difficulty, refusals and revocations by Police Scotland are becoming more common. When a licence is refused or taken away, the impact can be significant – particularly for landowners, rural businesses and those who rely on shooting as part of their work.
This article explains how shotgun licensing works in Scotland and outlines what happens if you need to appeal a police decision to the Sheriff Court.
How shotgun licensing works in Scotland
Shotgun licensing is governed by the Firearms Act 1968, with Police Scotland acting as the licensing authority.
Unlike firearm certificates, applicants for a shotgun certificate do not need to show a specific “good reason” for possessing a shotgun. The legal test is whether the applicant can be permitted to possess a shotgun without danger to public safety or to the peace.
This is a broad and precautionary test. In practice, it gives Police Scotland a wide discretion when assessing risk.
Why shotgun certificates are refused or revoked
Refusals and revocations are not always linked to criminal behaviour. Common reasons include:
Increasingly, issues arise at renewal stage or following a suitability review, rather than at first application.
Your right of appeal
If Police Scotland refuses an application, revokes a certificate, or imposes restrictive conditions, you have a statutory right of appeal to the Sheriff Court.
Strict time limits apply. An appeal must be lodged within 21 days of receiving written notification of the decision. Missing that deadline can prevent the appeal from being heard at all.
The appeal is raised in the Sheriff Court for the area in which the applicant lives.
Appeals are heard “on the merits”
A key feature of shotgun licence appeals in Scotland is that they are decided on the merits. This means the sheriff does not simply review whether the police acted reasonably.
Instead, the sheriff considers the case afresh and may:
The focus is on whether, taking all circumstances into account, the appellant can safely be permitted to possess a shotgun.
Statutory guidance and police decisions
Courts hearing firearms and shotgun appeals must now take into account the statutory guidance issued to police on firearms licensing.
That guidance covers how police should assess risk, medical history, domestic circumstances and proportionality. While Police Scotland may depart from the guidance, they must have clear reasons for doing so. This is often a key focus in appeals.
Possible outcomes – and expenses
Following a hearing, the sheriff may:
Even where an appeal is successful, legal expenses are not automatic. Scottish courts are generally reluctant to award expenses in licensing cases unless there has been clear error or unreasonable conduct.
Any further appeal from the sheriff is limited to points of law only.
Taking early advice
Shotgun licence appeals are technical, fact‑specific and time‑critical. Early legal advice can help to assess prospects, engage constructively with Police Scotland and ensure any appeal is properly prepared and lodged on time.
How Gilson Gray can help
Gilson Gray advises individuals, landowners and rural businesses across Scotland on shotgun and firearms licensing matters, including appeals to the Sheriff Court. We combine regulatory expertise with a practical understanding of rural and sporting interests.
If you are facing the refusal or revocation of a shotgun certificate, our team can help you understand your options and guide you through the appeal process.
