A Firearms Summit was held in Edinburgh in May 2008 by the First Minister Alex Salmond and the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to discuss the best means of tackling firearms misuse.
A wide range of interests were represented, including the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, Members of the Scottish Parliament from the three main opposition parties, local authorities, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the Scottish Target Shooting Federation, the Gun Control Network, a senior Sheriff and the Deputy Crown Agent.
It was clear on all sides that there was a desire for a review of the existing complex and confusing firearms legislation.
Following the Summit, Kenny MacAskill issued a statement which said:
"I'm very grateful to those who took the time to come here today to share their knowledge and experience and for their support. It is important that Governments listen to the full range of views - that is what we have done today and it is timely to do so.
"We covered much ground, including possible legislative reform and non-legislative options that can support us in tackling this problem, and while there is clearly much more work to do, I was encouraged by the discussions.
"I'm delighted that ACPOS are demonstrating real leadership in examining proposals for a much overdue reform of the firearms licensing regime. They have to administer it and they have to enforce it.
"Local authorities, too, have a key role to play in education and community safety. It is vital we support them and it was encouraging to see that support around the table for their efforts.
"It is, as always, harrowing to hear from those whose lives have been devastated by the tragedy of gun crime. Again, I am grateful to Mick North and Andrew Morton's parents for being here today and reminding us all that we can never be complacent.
"I also appreciated the very constructive contribution made by those with legitimate professional and sporting interests. They are well aware of the responsibilities they carry and they too want to do what they can to protect communities from dangerous weapons falling into the wrong hands.
"Over the summer, we will work collectively to develop an information campaign that highlights the dangers of airguns, imitation firearms, and other types of firearms in our communities. We hope that this will provide a platform from which the parties gathered here today, and the many other individuals and groups with an interest in this issue, can work to make our communities safer from firearms misuse.
"As I've said, I will be writing to the Home Secretary to let her know the various issues raised in the meeting and how we would intend to move forward on this vital issue."
"I also appreciated the very constructive contribution made by those with legitimate professional and sporting interests. They are well aware of the responsibilities they carry and they too want to do what they can to protect communities from dangerous weapons falling into the wrong hands.
"Over the summer, we will work collectively to develop an information campaign that highlights the dangers of airguns, imitation firearms, and other types of firearms in our communities. We hope that this will provide a platform from which the parties gathered here today, and the many other individuals and groups with an interest in this issue, can work to make our communities safer from firearms misuse.
"As I've said, I will be writing to the Home Secretary to let her know the various issues raised in the meeting and how we would intend to move forward on this vital issue."