Legality of carrying by foreign visitor...

[KCSOZ20]

I am planning a 3 week trip to The U.K. in July. Will be flying into Scotland, attending a wedding at Stirling Castle then traveling the countryside to include Ireland.

I want to carry my Benchmade auto knife with me, of course stowed away in luggage while flying over. What are the laws concerning U.S. citizens carrying knives, auto knives at that, in the U.K. specifically Scotland and Ireland.

Also if any of you are LEO in the area let me know where you are located. If I am in that area I would like to meet you and check out your shop!

Ken

[Urban Jedi]

I'm not from Scotland or Ireland, but laws are similar.

There is an offence of carrying an article with a blade or point in a public place, and lockable knives are considered offensive weapons, for which a separate offence exists.

If I came across you, you would have no need to worry. My advice, however, would be to leave the knife in your luggage., I'm afraid. If you do happen to be stopped, DO NOT say the knife is for your protection!!!

If you need a knife for practical reasons, carry a very small folding pocket knife, or better, a Leatherman type pocket tool.

Have fun. Are you coming to London???

[KCSOZ20]

Thanks for the thoughts. I believe the smart thing to do, considerng your advice, is to leave my "offensive" knife at home. I mean how much trouble can I find traveling the UK countryside.

No, I am not going to be in London. We were going to fly into Heathrow and take a train into Scotland. We are now going to fly straight into Glascow.

Thanks for the advice.

Ken

[kirch]

I can't give you specific information about UK knife laws, but I can provide some anecdotal information.

A friend was traveling to England a few years ago (pre-9/11) and was stopped on a random search at English customs. He emptied his pockets and they found a small knife attached to his keychain. The total lenght of the knife, when opened, was about 3 inches (it looked like a miniature Buck 110, if that helps). They confiscated the knife because it had a locking blade.

I suspect your auto knife would be a prime candidate for confiscation. Leave it at home. I was advised that a Swiss Army Knife is a good choice for traveling in the UK. Of course, make sure it's not on you when you head into security.

[Ex-plod]

If you are doing a lot of driving over here it wouldnt be a bad idea to get yourself a copy of The Highway Code. Its a small book with all the laws of the road in it including roads signs etc. for example we dont have "right turn on left/right" here.It covers all the UK but I dont know about Eire but I think if you get the hang of UK rules you shouldnt have a problem over there.Start saving for the petrol!
Enjoy your trip.

[JohnKelly]

Ken, leave the Knives at home.

You are attending a Wedding at Stirling Castle, the historic home of William Wallace, the Warrior Hero immortalised in the film 'Braveheart' and after you leave Stirling Castle and drive through Glen Coe, you will see such daunting sights of beauty and heartache that will stay in your memory for ever.

Scotland is a country awash with colour, charm and warmth. There is so much to see and enjoy and so many extraordinary landscapes to burn into your memory that one thing that becomes patently obvious that at the end of your visit, you will want to return.

After Scotland, you have Ireland, the Mother Country of many of us who for whatever reason left that country and joined The Police Forces of the New Countries and to this day continue our legacy.

I personally favour the West Coast of Ireland, from County Kerry, Northwards to County Donegal is awesome, and then through the Glens of Antrim and into Belfast and don't forget to have a bit of a chat to some Police Officers along the way.

I have some good Contacts via the Websites that would be of interest to you and I will pass them on to you, if you are interested.

The Garda Musuem in Dublin, is well worth the visit, as is the RUC Museum in Belfast. The Police Club in Edinburgh is also worth a visit.

If you are a member of the International Police Association then that can open many doors for you.

Anyhow Ken, I do envy you, enjoy the Wedding and if you get the chance, get to meet some of the local Plod and sample some of the local Brew.

Have a great trip and let's know how you go.

Cheers,

JohnKelly

[dafuzz]

John,

You make me wanna hop a plane and go across the pond.

Well said :)

[KCSOZ20]

John,

Thank you for that description. I do appreciate this. Please PM me with any helpfull contacts.

You are right, this part of the old country is where my family originated. I am a first generation Yankee. My parents were born in Canada, my Paternal Grandparents are from Edinburgh (sp)? Scotland and Maternal from Belfast, Ireland.

I don't think I can be any more Scottish with a name like Kenneth Scott MacDonald! My heritage is something I am very proud of and am looking forward to seeing the old country.

Your input is well appreciated.

Ken