rakiru

First off, sorry if this seems to be a duplicate topic, especially if it is something you've seen time and time again. I am a moderator and long term user of a very active forum so I know  how annoying this can be.

Since it's quite late, I'm just going to put my questions in a list as it will probably make them easier to answer:

• What are the laws of the UK regarding the use, sale and manufacture of black powder? I've seen a lot about a 100g rule for "experimentation purposes", and I've read through most of the relevant legislation, but I'm still not sure what kind of legal position I am in.
• What are the laws regarding manufacture of small fireworks, like most of the people on this forum make as a hobby (so I gather)? Is there any type of license needed; one specifically for people who like to tinker in their garden shed? Is there any training available in this area?
• What are the laws regarding storage of the explosives and chemicals involved in fireworks and pyrotechnics? I know that people may buy fireworks and store them for 14 days, but most other things are mainly a mystery.

Lastly, a little bit about myself and my interests in this:
When I was about 11, I got my first model rocket (well, extreme adult supervision etc) and loved it. Motors for it were easy to get without any hassle (by my parents), but I ended this hobby when both the shop my parents bought the rocket and motors from closes, and then my rocket failed, I think because I didn't triple check the wadding as I usually did. I still have two of those motors left and just recently wondered about the legality of them. I have also been involved in pyrotechnics for a pantomime by a local drama group (me being the main sound and lighting engineer) which has increased my interest in this area. And of course, I have always loved fireworks, and as I have a strong desire to know how things work and as I love to build things myself rather than just buy some generic item that does the job, it was only a matter of time before I wanted to get more hands-on and actually make something. I've been wanting to get into it for a good while now (and I've been lurking this forum a fair amount in that time), but the one major problem I have is that I don't know to what extent I am allowed by law to do this, if any, especially with the increasing fear of terrorism (which I have to say, any restrictions on chemicals isn't going to work - it will only harm people who want to follow the law. Criminals/terrorists don't care about the law, so how is a piece of paper going to sotp them? There's still guns in this coutnry isn't there?). Sorry if any of this seems like I'm rambling, but it's 01:30, so I'll just blame that. ;P




EDIT: Regarding the training comment, I live in the Highlands of Scotland. I'm unaware of any fireworks related companies anywhere near me, but if anyone knows otherwise, I'd be grateful for the information.