Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill aims to impose a licensing regime for the weapons under new powers handed over by Westminster earlier this year.

His proposal has been dubbed 'Andrew's Law' after Glasgow toddler Andrew Morton, whodied after being shot in the head with an air weapon in 2005.

Mr MacAskill first wants to take public advice on how the new system should work, including exactly who should be allowed to have an airgun and why.

He is seeking views on which weapons should be covered by the new regime.

The Justice Secretary also wants to know what "legitimate reasons" anyone could have for owning an air weapon and what competence or safety awareness anyone seeking a licence for an airgun should have to show.