Following questioning from Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Justice Margaret Smith, the First Minster recognised the part the Liberal Democrat policy for a tough licensing scheme for airguns could play in the future of firearms legislation in Scotland.

The Liberal Democrats believe that there would be very considerable problems with having separate firearms regulations and penalties in England and Scotland and have been calling on the Scottish Government to work within current legislative competence and act on this issue.

Commenting after First Ministers Questions, Mrs Smith said:

"I am glad the First Minister has recognised the Liberal Democrat argument that we need a tough licensing system to restrict the availability of airguns in Scotland.

"In my constituency area of Muirhouse in 2005 a six-year-old boy required surgery after he was hit in the head by an air-gun pellet. Such attacks are all too common across Scotland and it’s crucial we take action to reduce them.

"Following today's commitment from the First Minister to look seriously at this suggestion, I hope that the Government will now move quickly to introduce a tough licensing system.”