Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 15 July 2026
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to address reported concerns raised by gamekeepers that the new Muirburn Code could undermine wildfire prevention efforts and increase risks to rural communities, property and the environment.
NatureScot has worked through iterations of the Muirburn Code of Practice with stakeholders through the Muirburn Code Working Group. Stakeholder views have been considered throughout the development of the Code, including concerns raised most recently by some stakeholders about the workability of the draft provisions.
Following that engagement, NatureScot has worked with stakeholders to revise the Code to ensure that it supports safe and responsible licensed muirburn, while also protecting peatlands, habitats, species and the wider natural environment.
The Code is intended to provide a clear and practical framework for muirburn. It does not prevent muirburn from being undertaken where it is lawful, licensed where required, and carried out safely and appropriately. Where muirburn is proposed for wildfire prevention purposes, NatureScot will consider applications through the licensing process, including the specific circumstances of the land and the purpose of the proposed burning.
The Scottish Government will continue to engage with NatureScot and stakeholders as the licensing regime is implemented, to ensure that the Code remains workable in practice and supports both wildfire prevention and environmental protection.