‘Unworkable’ muirburn rules delayed until 2026

The Scottish government has postponed controversial muirburn licensing rules until 1 January 2026, following pressure from rural organisations that warned the scheme was unworkable. The delay pushes back the start date by three months from the originally planned September introduction.

Ross Ewing, director of moorland at Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), welcomed the decision as:

“A pragmatic and necessary step that reflects the serious technical and logistical challenges raised by stakeholders across the rural sector.”

He added:

“Introducing a licensing system without giving land managers sufficient time to comply would have been counterproductive and potentially dangerous.”

SLE is one of several rural groups — including NFU Scotland, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups and BASC — that have worked together to call on ministers for a more realistic muirburn licensing timetable.

The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 will require licences for all muirburn activity when it comes into force.

BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said:

“We have seen the consequences of hastily introduced licensing schemes, such as the confusion caused by the grouse shoot licensing scheme last year. We urge the Scottish government to ensure the scheme is workable and practicable.”

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