Police Scotland is to start reviewing the social media accounts and domestic abuse history of applicants for firearms licences, a new HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) report has revealed.
Inspectors identified that online activity is a key source of information when deciding whether someone is suitable to own a gun. Amazingly, social media has not been routinely scrutinised in the past, but Police Scotland told Inspectors it now plans to start using it more often.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “Where concerns are raised, we may use social media as one of a number of sources of information during our checks. Looking to the future, we are considering expanding this approach as part of the national licensing process.”
Excellent news! We can think of a number of individuals who may now encounter difficulties when it comes to renewing their firearms certificates, based on the comments they’ve posted on social media.
Download the full report here: HMICS Inspection of Firearms Licensing March 2018
Raptor Persecution UK 
This is very positive news and heading in the right direction but I wish they would also consider factors like alcohol abuse and mental health issues.
I may be wrong but I think that both of these factors are considered during the background checks that are carried out.
You are correct.
A past history of alcohol abuse does not bar one from getting a gun licence. if they can persuade GP and blood work at time satisfactory then they can get licence
I agree. alcohol and mental illness are two more mitigating factors.
If they mirror England and Wales, all factors of which the home force are aware are considered including those above. I am not aware of E&W forces using FB etc yet.
I guess some people will be rapidly deleting their facebook timelines
I wonder if they will be passing on the extra costs incurred to the applicant or is that to come from tax payers?
It’s a positive step, recalling the recent example from Brewlands, if a gamekeeper is confident enough to post in the social media (visible in the public domain) their derision for the criminal justice system (crying with laughter emojis), in full knowledge of relevant video footage documenting use of pole traps to try to kill Buzzards, it is clear they think they can do what they like and get away with it…
https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2017/05/12/brewlands-estate-gamekeeper-cries-with-laughter-at-discontinued-prosecution/
at last. the Police are doing something about the consequences of their handing out these gun licences to far too many and knowing nothing about the people beforehand. I think they should revoke them all . have a gun amnesty and start again. why would anyone need a gun?
Its a pity there isnt, at least yet, an animal abuse registry to also inspect in considering gun ownership.