Article 2 of this Order brings the outstanding parts of section 56 of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 (“the 2015 Act”) into force on 20th December 2017. Specifically it inserts section 9A into the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (“the 2005 Act”). This requires Licensing Boards to prepare and publish an annual functions report in respect of the exercise of their functions under the 2005 Act during the financial year. They must do so no later than 3 months after the end of each financial year. The financial year is deemed to end on 31st March.

Article 2 also brings into force on 20th December 2017, minor and consequential amendments and repeals in Part 3 of schedule 2 of the 2015 Act. This pertains to amendments and repeals of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

The Bill for the Act received Royal Assent on 4th August 2015. Sections 60(1) and (2), 84, 85, 86, 88 and 89 of the Act came into force on the following day.