Angry north-east air gun enthusiasts have accused the Scottish Government of going over the top with a new licensing regime.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced on Thursday that all air gun owners will have to have a licence and must demonstrate they have a legitimate reason for doing so.
The measure is part of a long-term commitment by the SNP to crack down on the reckless use of air weapons, that started with the death of two-year-old Andrew Morton who was shot in the head in 2005.
Mark Bonini was later convicted of murdering the youngster.
Campaigners believe a licensing regime is not needed as offences involving air weapons fell by 75% over a six year period from 683 in 2006-07 to 171 in 2012-13, the lowest level since records began.
Scottish Air Rifle and Pistol Association chairman Graham Ellis, who sat on the government’s consultative panel, said he had hoped Mr MacAskill would have adopted a lighter touch but instead had gone in the opposite direction.
“He has basically gone for the heaviest, most expensive and disproportionate solution rather than working with a lot of recommendations made by the firearms consultative panel,” he said.
Mr Ellis, of Newmachar, Aberdeenshire, said the Air Weapons and Licensing Bill was more restrictive than current shotgun regulations. Under shotgun legislation it is up to the police to demonstrate why someone should not have a licence, but with air guns the applicant will have to prove they have a reason for wanting to have an air weapon.
“It is beyond the pale,” said Mr Ellis, former chairman of Grampian Air Rifle Club.
“They (shooters) will either have to join a club and prove they have legitimate and sufficient reason to hold an air rifle. Essentially they could be criminalising anyone who wants to plink in their reasonably sized back gardens.”
Mr MacAskill said: “We are not banning air weapons outright but there has to be a legitimate use for them.”
Alex Stoddart, assistant director of the Scottish Association for Country Sports, said: “We see this as blatant political stupidity, creating an expensive bureaucratic nightmare. It will restrict an enjoyable and very safe sport enjoyed by men, women and youngsters from all walks of life and all physical abilities.”