Story perspectives

Police Scotland arrests grandfather with broadsword, dirk at rally

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Police Scotland arrested Frank Boyd, a 14-year-old’s grandfather, in Glasgow for carrying a broadsword, dirk and sgian-dubh at a rally.
He was charged under Section 49 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, released and had the broadsword and dirk confiscated while the sgian-dubh was returned.
Boyd said he has carried the weapons to rallies and Highland Games, noting Section 49(5)(c) permits a defence for costume blades, though broadsword rules are stricter.

History

Historical Context

The Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 makes carrying real swords in public an offence, with a defence only for items part of a national costume. Police Scotland has seized unauthorised blades and can impose up to four years’ imprisonment. Boyd’s arrest at a Glasgow rally with a broadsword, dirk and sgian-dubh mirrors that legacy and pushes Highland-games participants to obtain costume-blade exemptions.

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Story summary

Police Scotland arrested Frank Boyd, a 14-year-old’s grandfather, in Glasgow for carrying a broadsword, dirk and sgian-dubh at a rally.
He was charged under Section 49 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, released and had the broadsword and dirk confiscated while the sgian-dubh was returned.
Boyd said he has carried the weapons to rallies and Highland Games, noting Section 49(5)(c) permits a defence for costume blades, though broadsword rules are stricter.

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