KENNY MacAskill, the justice secretary, yesterday urged parents to hand over replica weapons or airguns if they found their children in possession of them.
And he warned that if they did not do so, their children were at risk of being shot in a case of mistaken identity.
Mr MacAskill was responding to a survey which found that 85 per cent of the guns recovered by Strathclyde Police are air-powere
d or replica guns, with some carried by youngsters as young as 12.
A total of 107 airguns, BB guns and replicas have been seized by the force's firearms unit since the start of this year. And more than 100 others were confiscated by officers on routine patrols, the force said.
The figures were revealed as police issued a stark warning about the dangers of carrying replica guns.
Officers voiced concerns that people are becoming increasingly willing to use the weapons with a "total disregard" for the consequences.
Young people were found carrying weapons, the force said – mainly young males in their teens, but there were also reports of children carrying weapons in their school bags.
Mr MacAskill said: "The age of those possessing and using them is frightening. Not simply for the danger they pose to others but the danger they pose to themselves.
"Parents have a responsibility to make sure kids do not get or have access to these weapons and the best thing you can do is hand them in to police."
He warned that the danger of airguns and replicas was to the "misguided youngsters who are using them".
He said: "They face not only the consequences if they use it but also perhaps being shot by an armed forces officer who has to protect our communities."
Speaking on a visit to Strathclyde Police firearms training department, in East Kilbride, Mr MacAskill said the survey reinforced his argument for stronger air weapon controls. Asked if the findings would strengthen his argument, he said: "I believe it will. This further indicates the extent of the problem we face."
Assistant Chief Constable Jim Green said Strathclyde Police officers had found youngsters as young as 12 in possession of replicas.
He said: "What we have to deal with is young men carrying, or indiscriminately brandishing, air and or BB guns and replica firearms in the belief that it makes them look important.
"They are not thinking about the possible consequences of waving what, to all intents and purposes, looks like a real firearm."
Urging parents to help tackle the problem, Mr Green added: "What worries me most is the age of people carrying these weapons.
"Although mainly young males in their teens, it would appear those involved are getting younger with reports of schoolchildren carrying weapons in their schoolbags.
"Disturbingly, figures also show that young girls are now involved too."
