Muirburn licence required across Scotland from autumn 2026

Every gamekeeper and land manager carrying out muirburn in Scotland will need a muirburn licence from this autumn, after NatureScot confirmed the new scheme will be in place before the season opens on 15 September 2026. The agency is urging moorland managers to start preparing now, warning that it will be an offence to burn heather or grass on any ground without a licence once the system goes live.

What is changing for muirburn in Scotland?

Muirburn, the controlled burning of heather and rough vegetation, is a core part of grouse moor management. Keepers use it to regenerate young heather for red grouse and other moorland birds and to reduce the fuel that drives wildfires. Until now they have been able to burn within the season under the Muirburn Code without an individual licence on most ground.

The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 changes that. Once the scheme is live, a licence will be required to carry out muirburn on any land in Scotland, and burning without one will be an offence. NatureScot has said the scheme will be announced in autumn 2026, ahead of the season that runs from 15 September to 31 March.

What do gamekeepers need to do now?

NatureScot is advising land managers to gather their paperwork before applications open. That means the details of the areas they wish to burn, evidence of training from a Lantra-approved Muirburn Practitioner Foundation Course, confirmation that they will comply with the Muirburn Code and, depending on the ground, peat depth survey data collected using NatureScot’s mapping tool.

The training requirement is central. Anyone intending to carry out muirburn must complete the foundation course, which has both an online and a practical element, with both required from 15 September 2026.

How does the peatland rule work?

The scheme draws a clear line between peatland and non-peatland, with the Act defining peatland as ground with a peat layer of 40cm or more. There are ten licensable purposes in all, six available on non-peatland and four on peatland.

On non-peatland, licences cover managing the habitats of moorland game or wildlife, improving grazing for livestock, and conserving or enhancing the natural environment, as well as wildfire prevention and research. On peatland the permitted purposes are narrower, centred on restoring the natural environment, reducing the risk of wildfire damage to habitats, people and property, and research. Managers can apply for both peatland and non-peatland purposes in a single application.

What happens next?

The Muirburn Code itself is being reviewed by NatureScot and the Muirburn Code Working Group, and the updated code is expected alongside the licensing scheme. The Scottish Countryside Alliance, which flagged the timetable to members, has urged moorland managers not to wait, and to book training and assemble their burn records now so they are ready when applications open.

Land managers who need guidance can contact the NatureScot licensing team on 01463 725364; licensing@nature.scot.