Sporran wearers may need licence

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Kilt wearers could face prosecution if they do not have a licence for

their sporran under new legislation which has been introduced in

Scotland.

The laws are designed to protect endangered species like badgers and

otters, whose fur used to be favoured by sporran makers.

 

The legislation applies to animals killed after 1994.

 

Applicants must prove that the animal was killed lawfully before they

will be able to get a licence.

 

The conservation regulations were designed to close a number of

loopholes and bring Scotland into line with other EU members.

 

They also apply to other vulnerable animals like deer, wildcats,

hedgehogs, bats, lynx, moles, seals, whales, dolphins and porpoises.

 

Having a licence... will ensure they will not be prosecuted or have

it taken from them under the new regulations

 

Scottish Executive spokeswoman

 

The regulations require anyone who owns any part of a protected

animal to obtain a licence.

 

The maximum penalties for breaking the law are a fine of £5,000 and

six months in prison.

 

Hamish Husband, spokesman for the Association of Tartan Army Clubs,

said the legislation could affect fans who follow their national

football team.

 

" Are the police going to take DNA samples from the sporran of every

kilted supporter who walks into Hampden? " he asked.

 

" If that's the case we will need to look into obtaining a licence to

cover the entire Tartan Army. "

 

 

The legislation is designed to protect animals like badgers

 

The new rules will also cover fishing flies made from animal hair.

 

A Scottish Executive spokeswoman said the new rules had been put in

place to bring Scotland into line with existing European legislation

designed to protect vulnerable species.

 

" The licence will allow people who possess artefacts made from these

species in circumstances compliant with earlier laws to keep them, "

she said.

 

" This could be family heirlooms of various descriptions.

 

" Having a licence for such an artefact, proving it was obtained

legally, will ensure they will not be prosecuted or have it taken

from them under the new regulations. "