Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 15 July 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements it will put in place to monitor the impact of the new Muirburn Code on the frequency, extent and severity of wildfires in Scotland.
The impact of the new Muirburn Code will be kept under review as part of the wider implementation of muirburn licensing. NatureScot will monitor the operation of the licensing system, including any issues arising from licence applications, licence conditions, compliance activity and stakeholder feedback.
Wildfire frequency, extent and severity are influenced by a range of factors, including weather conditions, vegetation, land use, fuel load, visitor behaviour and climate change. It will therefore not be possible to attribute changes in wildfire activity solely to the Muirburn Code. However, the Scottish Government will continue to work with NatureScot, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other relevant partners to consider available evidence on wildfire risk and land management practice.
The Code will remain subject to review where evidence indicates that changes are required to ensure it remains effective, proportionate and workable in practice.