Have you got a licence for your Sporran Sir?

**Grizzly** · 2nd April 14, 01:52 AM

Just saw this on BBC Scotland, you may require a licence for your sporran in future!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6234290.stm

**Tartan Tess** · 2nd April 14, 02:50 AM

After 1994....? This is a bit crazy. I can see them trying to put something into effect "from now on".
What's next?, all the antler parts roaming around out there on knives and buttons.

**Chas** · 2nd April 14, 03:36 AM

As far as I understand it is only sealskin which comes into question. As for a licence, there doesn't seem to be a need as the use of sealskin was banned. They can't licence something which is not allowed in law.

**Liam** · 2nd April 14, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

As far as I understand it is only sealskin which comes into question. As for a licence, there doesn't seem to be a need as the use of sealskin was banned. They can't licence something which is not allowed in law.

Kindly remember that laws vary from country to country. As far as I am aware there is no such ban in Canada.

**Chas** · 2nd April 14, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by Liam

Kindly remember that laws vary from country to country. As far as I am aware there is no such ban in Canada.

I cannot remember something that I do not know to start with.

The article by the BBC News Service (UK), which I am sure you have read, is about "new legislation which has been introduced in Scotland (UK)", to bring Scotland (UK) into line with other European Union member states. I cannot see anywhere in the article where any other country (apart from the EU member states) has been mentioned.

I have no knowledge about bans in any country outside of the European Union, but do know that the importation of sealskin, from anywhere in the world, into the UK is banned.

**Tobus** · 2nd April 14, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

I have no knowledge about bans in any country outside of the European Union, but do know that the importation of sealskin, from anywhere in the world, into the UK is banned.

Every source I have checked says it's illegal to import or sell sealskin in the US, and refers to the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act as the source of the ban. They don't rigorously enforce it, though, as it's easy to get a sealskin sporran into the country.

But apparently Canada has no such restrictions, and actively encourages seal harvesting (within their yearly quotas).

**artificer** · 2nd April 14, 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Just saw this on BBC Scotland, you may require a licence for your sporran in future!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6234290.stm

This article was from 2007. I think it's safe to say that this particular piece of legislation died on the vine.

ith:

**Grizzly** · 2nd April 14, 04:36 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

This article was from 2007. I think it's safe to say that this particular piece of legislation died on the vine.

ith:

Good spot Scott I didnt notice the date! Guess I wont be losing sleep over it anytime soon then.

**David** · 2nd April 14, 04:39 AM

A licence for my sporran? Aye right!

**creagdhubh** · 2nd April 14, 05:40 AM

All of my Kate Macpherson full mask sporrans came with the appropriate licensure. All protected species come with a licence.

http://www.katemacphersonsporrans.co...lstatement.htm