Gun crime in Fife rose by more than a fifth last year, despite firearms offences falling to their lowest level in Scotland in 34 years.
Figures released by the Scottish Government show there were 44 firearms incidents in Fife in 2011-12, up eight (22%) from the previous year and the highest number since 2006-07.
Most of the offences (30) involved air rifles or similar weapons.
By comparison, the number of gun crimes recorded in Tayside fell by 27% to 27 the lowest level in the region for more than a decade.
However, only four of these involved air weapons.
Across Scotland the number of recorded offences fell by 21% to 514 the lowest level since 1978 and more than 50% less than five years ago.
Air weapons accounted for 38% of all offences compared with 36% last year.
Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: ”These figures represent great progress in tackling the menace of firearms offences in our communities.
”Year on year, the number of crimes involving guns on our streets is dropping rapidly.
”The message appears to be getting across that guns put lives at risk and anyone caught using them can and will be punished heavily.”
Deputy Chief Constable Tom Ewing of Fife Constabulary, said: ”These figures are in line with the five-year average and thankfully reflect that firearms offences, including those involving air weapons, are relatively low in number in Fife.
”Despite that, Fife Constabulary monitors all offences involving firearms closely and takes robust, proactive action whenever we receive information that suggests an offence has been committed.”
A spokesman for Tayside Police said: ”Any reduction in crime is to be welcomed, but we must not lose sight of the fact that any single incident involving a firearm can end in tragedy.”
He continued: ”Most of the recorded cases involved BB or pellet guns, but people should be aware that when the police receive a report of someone with a firearm in a public place, our response is very likely to involve firearms-trained officers.
”The risk to public safety and the potential for actual harm exists whenever a firearm is carried or used in a public place or in an illegal capacity irrespective of the weapon’s capability.
”Any firearm has the potential to cause injury to innocent bystanders, or indeed the person carrying the weapon. We would appeal to the public to report any incidents they witness to the police.
”Their call will be met by a prompt police response.”