First their guns, now their swords... Is it the days after Culloden again?

Sale of swords to be outlawed under new measures to fight blade crime

LOUISE GRAY

• Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister will announce move today
• Exception made in case of religious, cultural or sporting purposes
• Recent amnesty saw 12,500 blades, machetes and swords handed in

Key quote
"They are certainly among the range of weapons that are used by people. This reduces their availability except for legitimate reasons. I think if it saves one life or permanent disfigurement it is worthwhile." - RUDI CRAWFORD, A & E CONSULTANT

Story in full SWORDS will be banned from sale in Scotland in a new effort to tackle the country's "booze and blades" culture.

Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister, will announce the move today.

However, it is understood that exceptions will be made for weapons required for religious, cultural or sporting purposes.

Retailers yesterday claimed the move was an over-reaction, as swords constitute just 1 per cent of knife crime.

Ms Jamieson, who has the backing of the police, will also launch a range of measures to restrict the sale of non-domestic knives, including hunting knives, bowie knives and machetes.

Almost 30 people are admitted to hospitals in Scotland every week with wounds from bladed instruments. Earlier this month, a Glasgow man was jailed for killing a woman with a sword.

In a recent amnesty, more than 12,500 lethal blades, machetes and swords were handed over to police.

Rudi Crawford, an accident and emergency consultant at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, who has treated patients for sword injuries, welcomed the move.

He said: "Certainly, over the years we have seen sword injuries, some of which have been fatal.

"They are certainly among the range of weapons that are used by people. This reduces their availability except for legitimate reasons. I think if it saves one life or permanent disfigurement it is worthwhile."

Retailers who want to sell swords under the exemptions will need to be licensed and comply with other mandatory conditions.

They will be required to record the names and addresses of all purchasers and be prohibited from displaying non-domestic knives and swords in shop windows.

Several retailers in Edinburgh's Royal Mile sell swords - starting from about £100 - as well as sgian dubh.

Many kilt-makers have swords in their windows for display purposes.

Gordon Nicolson, of Nicolson Highlandwear, expressed concern for the future of Scotland's sword manufacturers, who sell the items to collectors around the world.

"It is part of our history and part of our culture and we have to be able to use it," he said.

"In certain circumstances, it is required to give authenticity to our heritage and to throw that away in a blanket ban seems nonsensical."

A petition to the Scottish Parliament, led by the campaigners Save Our Swords, received more than 2,000 signatures.

Campaigners argue that a ban is an unwarranted infringement of the rights of swordspersons, including collectors, martial artists, sports fencers, Highland dancers and historical re-enactors.

A number of shows at the Edinburgh Festival this year feature swords, including Chanbara, a samurai sword show at the Pleasance.

Masa Ogawa, a founder of Yamato - the company staging the show, agreed that swords must be used responsibly.

He said: "It will be a pity for martial arts enthusiasts... But the sword needs to be given more respect, it is not a play thing.

"It is key to consider the sword as a spirit and to pay it due consideration."