The second wave of a Scottish Government campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of airguns has been launched.

Figures revealed the first phase of the campaign saw over 130,000 plays of the internet viral and almost 15,000 visits to the campaign website.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Air guns are not toys, but weapons that can kill and maim. There have been tragedies that have caused pain and injury to children and animals. That's why we believe that action must be taken.

"We have been working closely with our police forces - and they've told us that that long summer days, light evenings and school holidays mean that incidents peak in the summer months.

"That's why we've decided to run another burst of our successful campaign to highlight the dangers of airgun misuse. There have been over 130,000 plays of the internet viral and nearly 15,000 hits on our website.

"We've had a real success with the online ads, so we've developed two new ads for use on MSN (Microsoft Network). We're pleased with the results so far and this next phase will build on that progress.

Mr MacAskill welcomed recent proposals by the Calman Commission, set up to recommend new powers to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, that Holyrood should set its own airgun laws.

He continued: "While I do welcome the recommendations from the Calman commission that the law on airguns should be devolved, I believe all firearms legislation should be included. We need a firearms system that is consistent, easier to understand and enforce: not the current incoherent muddled legislation.

"I've written to the new Home Secretary Alan Johnson, urging him to devolve firearms law in its entirety. This will enable us to put a system in place that meets Scotland's needs.

The campaign comes just days after a 14-year-old boy was shot in the chest with an airgun.

The teenager was shot as he played on a grassy area of the city’s Finavon Street at around 5pm on Saturday.
 
He was initially treated at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee before being transferred to Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow where he will be operated on to have the pellet removed from his chest cavity.

Sixteen-year-old Kevin Mullen appeared in private at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the incident. He made no plea and was released on bail.