Youth issues

You have to be 18 years old in order to get a tattoo unless it is for medical purposes.

If you are over 18 make sure you use a tattoo artist who is registered with the Department of Health. You will be asked to sign a consent form to say that you are over 18 and you will more than likely have to provide proof of age.

If your child has been tattooed and they are under 18 then you should contact Police Scotland/environmental health department of your local council with the relevant details.

Your Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC ), created by the Scottish government, is a free electronic smart card for all young people aged 11 to 26. See the link in related information for more details and information on how to apply.

It is not an offence in itself to listen to music on a mobile device whilst driving or cycling.

However, listening to music can be distracting, especially if it is not be possible for the individual to be fully aware of their surroundings. You need to be able to bring to bear all the senses you can whilst driving, and being able to hear is important in enabling you to be in proper control of your vehicle in traffic. Obviously, some people have the disadvantage that they cannot hear too well (or not at all), but the rest of us should not deliberately mask our senses and put ourselves at the same disadvantage.

A person using a device playing loud music, may, therefore, be deemed not to have proper control of their vehicle or to be driving without reasonable consideration for others, both of which are relatively serious offences.

It is an offence to sell cigarettes, tobacco and cigarette papers to a person under the age of 18 years old. There are also further penalties for those who persistently sell cigarettes to persons under the age of 18. The Sheriff can prohibit them from selling cigarettes from certain premises for up to one year.

There is no law relating to a minimum age that prevents a person who works in shop from selling cigarettes.

In addition to the above, the police and park keepers in uniform have the power to seize and dispose of tobacco products from a person under 16 years who is smoking in any street or public place.

If you are aware of a shop selling cigarettes, alcohol or age restricted products to underage persons, you can report this to your local police force or Trading Standards Office. 

There is no minimum age for piercing. In order to be able to carry out the piercing procedure a licence is required. Many local authorities set an age limit of 16 years old as a condition of the licence.

For more information, see website in related information.