New Scottish Partnership Aims to Strengthen Mental Health Support Across the Firearms and Rural Community

A Positive Step Forward for Scotland's Rural and Shooting Communities

Mental health has become an increasingly important conversation across Scotland's rural industries, and a new UK-first initiative is helping ensure that support is more visible, accessible and understood by those who need it most.

The newly established Scottish Firearms Mental Health Awareness and Support Partnership brings together organisations from across farming, gamekeeping, conservation, field sports, healthcare and mental health services to build awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing in relation to firearms licensing.

The partnership is being led by Police Scotland's Firearms and Explosives Licensing team and supported by a wide range of organisations including BASC, British Deer Society, Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Countryside Alliance, RSABI, Scottish Land & Estates, Gamekeepers Welfare Trust, SAMH, Change Mental Health and NatureScot.

Why This Matters

For many people across Scotland, firearms are part of everyday life and work.

Farmers, gamekeepers, deer managers, ghillies, pest controllers, sporting estates and recreational shooters all play an important role in managing Scotland's countryside. However, many of these professions are also associated with unique pressures, including isolation, financial uncertainty, seasonal workloads and limited access to support services.

Research and industry surveys have repeatedly highlighted the mental health challenges faced within rural professions. Organisations such as BASC and the Gamekeepers Welfare Trust have previously raised concerns around stress, anxiety, abuse directed at rural workers and the wider wellbeing challenges experienced across the sector.

The new partnership aims to help remove stigma around seeking support while reassuring certificate holders that asking for help is a sign of responsibility, not weakness.

Moving Beyond Fear and Misunderstanding

One of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking help has often been concern over what it may mean for their firearms or shotgun certificate.

The message from Police Scotland and the partnership is clear: individuals should feel safe and supported in reporting changes to their mental health and wellbeing.

Chief Inspector Bruce Crawford of Police Scotland's National Firearms and Explosives Licensing team has emphasised that early engagement and openness allow people to access support sooner and demonstrate responsible certificate ownership. The focus is on prevention, wellbeing and helping individuals get the support they need at the earliest opportunity.

Our local Firearms and Explosives Officer, Jen Stevens gave us a run down of the initiative at the Royal Highland Show 2026, where team members were happy to sign the pledge flag at our stand.

"It's about those who feel that there has been a change in their mental health and removing that stigma that they can't speak up and get support, coming forward about mental health doesn't necessarily mean your firearms will be removed. This is done on a case by case basis. We are here to support people with their shooting if its a hobby, a pass time or as a tool of their trade..."

Every situation is considered on its individual circumstances, with public safety remaining paramount while recognising that mental health challenges can affect anyone at any stage of life.

A Community-Wide Approach

Importantly, the initiative is not solely aimed at certificate holders.

The partnership wants families, friends, employers, sporting organisations and rural communities to better understand the signs that someone may be struggling and where support can be found.

This wider approach recognises that mental health is not an individual issue but something that affects entire families, workplaces and communities. By encouraging open conversations and early intervention, the partnership hopes to reduce stigma and contribute to suicide prevention across Scotland's rural areas.

Support Available Across Scotland

A range of organisations are actively supporting the initiative, including:

RSABI
Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH)
Change Mental Health
Suicide Prevention Scotland
Gamekeepers Welfare Trust
BASC
British Deer Society
Scottish Gamekeepers Association
Scottish Land & Estates

Together, these organisations provide practical advice, wellbeing support, counselling services, mental health resources and guidance for those working and living in rural Scotland.

Looking After Our Rural Community

At Scott Country International, we work closely with farmers, gamekeepers, deer managers, estate staff and shooting enthusiasts across the UK.

We recognise the important role these individuals play in managing our countryside and understand the unique challenges that can come with rural life and work.

Responsible firearms ownership has always been about more than equipment, training and compliance. It is also about recognising when support may be needed and ensuring that help is available when it matters most.

The creation of the Scottish Firearms Mental Health Awareness and Support Partnership represents a positive and progressive step forward for the sector, helping to build a culture where people feel confident speaking openly, seeking support and looking after themselves and those around them.

Where to Find Help

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through organisations including:

RSABI - 0808 1234 555 – 24 hours a day, every day of the year (free)
SAMH
Change Mental Health - 0808 8010 515
Gamekeepers Welfare Trust - 0300 1233088
Suicide Prevention Scotland
Samaritans - 116 123

Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available long before a situation reaches crisis point.

Item added to your cart