Skein Dubh - Legal or not? .....

kinsearcher · Post by **kinsearcher** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:08 pm

A forthcoming Clan Gathering attracting visitors from abroad (esp from USA) has posed this question in view of the 'knife amnesty'. Can anyone please advise where I can get the OFFICIAL RULING concerning the S D - is it a knife or jewelry or indeed something else? Is it exempt?
Thanks,
James.

Post by **emanday** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 8:21 pm

As a traditional part of the "outfit", and worn in that spirit, I've never seen a policeman take issue with the wearing of it. However, were a scuffle to ensue amongst a group where some or all of the participants were carrying one, I believe they might find themselves in a bit of bother

Although now resident in Bristol, I am still quite nationalistic as far as Scotland's national dress is concerned. I hate to see the kilt worn at the wrong length, just as an example, and I have taught my English relatives how to sit while wearing one

. However, the Skein Dubh has the potential of any lethal weapon, even the ceremonial ones which, though usually with dull edge, do have a lethal point on them. I do not see how anyone could object to a non-bladed facsimile being used.

DavidWW · Post by **DavidWW** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:00 pm

Emanday has summed up the situation very neatly.

I've been chucked out of a hotel bar in Helsinki and threatened with the police for "carrying an offensive weapon" ..............

David

Falkyrn · Post by **Falkyrn** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:30 pm

Carrying of Knives etc. (Scotland) Act 1993 (c. 13)

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4) above, it shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) above to prove that he had the article with him—

(a) for use at work;

(b) for religious reasons; or

(c) as part of any national costume.

This is the legal position although it may be better to contact the police in the area in question to ascertain thir full position. While the above is part of the legislation it is only a defence to the charge and it would be better safe than sorry.

kinsearcher · Post by **kinsearcher** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:01 pm

Thanks for all the help folks - much appreciated. There's a MacLeod Parliament/Gathering looming - Lewis/Harris/Skye so I believe.
James.

Post by **paddyscar** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 6:14 am

Getting a Skein Dubh to the Gathering may be the first question - best check ahead for smooth international travels

a) with the airlines if such an item will send up security flags, whether in checkin baggage or not - British Airways specifically mentions national dress and ceremonial knives

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/3/PAS_travelsafely.pdf

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
http://www.tc.gc.ca/majorissues/transpo ... aggage.htm

United States Transportation Safety Administration
http://www.tsa.gov/assets/doc/Permitted ... _Facts.doc

b) with Canadian, U.S. and British Customs regarding importation of ceremonial knives and any documentation required

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:22 am

Hi all
A couple of years back my daughter tried to leave Italy with a small metal "medieval" type sword in her hand bag, about 5-6 ins long (this was despite being told by those older & wiser that she should pack it in her other bag....

Do they listen??) She had bought it as a souvenir at a castle we had visited.

She had it confiscated at the airport (what a blinking drama!!

) - but we were assured that had it been in her ordinary luggage which was on its way to the hold by then, that there would have been no problem whatsoever. Don't know if this is of any help, as I realise that it was not a Skein Dubh, but it was a similar item.

Best wishes
Lesley

Davie · Post by **Davie** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 2:18 pm

Hi James and all,
Ye could aye kerry it as the old Higlanders did, hidden under yer armpit.
This certainly is how it's kerryed by some of the "clans" in ma ain toon the day.
Davie

Post by **emanday** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 3:17 pm

After having a pair of folding scissors (total BLADE length 1.5 inches!) confiscated at Glasgow airport when boarding a domestic flight to Bristol, I was fully educated by one of the security bods when I queried that such a tiny item could be regarded as "potential weaponry".

Apparently, it is a matter of record that the file on a pair of nail clippers was one weapon used in flight in the past. Lesson learnt

Rule of thumb he told me to use was simple; if it can make a hole in someone or otherwise cut them, pack it in the hold luggage.

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 3:25 pm

Hi Davie

the Highlanders didn ken aboot thae x-rays and metal detector things did they.
Whither its in yer oxter or yer a sword swallier they can fun it noo!

Russell