Farmers seek rethink of Scotland's muirburn regime

NFU Scotland has urged ministers to postpone September’s muirburn licensing regime, warning that its practical requirements could hinder vegetation management intended to reduce wildfire fuel.

The system is due to take effect on 15 September 2026 under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.

From that date, carrying out muirburn on any land in Scotland without a licence will become an offence.

NatureScot will administer the scheme, which is intended to ensure that controlled burning is conducted safely and appropriately.

The regime has already been delayed once. It was originally expected to begin in January 2026 but was moved to the autumn following wildfires, discussions with land managers and engagement with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

At the time, the Scottish Government said the postponement would allow it to consider how licensing could be introduced without weakening wildfire prevention and response.

NFU Scotland is now seeking another delay, although it has not specified how long the postponement should last.

Muirburn is the controlled burning of heather and other moorland vegetation for purposes including habitat management, improving grazing and reducing wildfire risk.

Wildfire prevention is among the purposes for which burning can be licensed on peatland and non-peatland.

Guidance says muirburn may be used strategically to create firebreaks or reduce fuel loads.

Applicants seeking permission for wildfire prevention will need to identify proposed burn areas and provide a wildfire risk and mitigation plan, along with a map of the land.

Stricter tests apply to peatland, where NatureScot must be satisfied that burning is both appropriate and necessary.

Practitioners must also complete approved training and have regard to the Muirburn Code.

NFU Scotland accepts the need for responsible practice but fears the application requirements could create barriers when active vegetation management is becoming more important.

It pointed to prolonged dry conditions and the recent Cairngorms wildfire, which affected habitats, rural businesses, communities and emergency services.

The union has not suggested that the Cairngorms blaze was caused by the licensing regime, which is not yet in force.

Debbie Playfair, chair of NFU Scotland’s Environment and Land Use Committee, said: “Wildfire prevention starts long before the first emergency call is made. The people managing these landscapes every day need the right tools, support and flexibility to reduce risk.”

NFU Scotland argues that farmers, crofters, gamekeepers and other land managers play a central role in controlling vegetation and maintaining resilient upland landscapes.

It said responsible muirburn should remain available alongside grazing and cutting when carried out by trained people under suitable conditions.

“Responsible muirburn, carried out by skilled practitioners in appropriate conditions, remains one of the most effective tools available to manage vegetation and reduce fuel loads,” Ms Playfair said.

“We are asking the Scottish Government to delay the introduction of the licensing regime to ensure it is practical, proportionate and does not unintentionally increase wildfire risk.”

The union said it had worked with government and other stakeholders since licensing was announced but believed recent fires justified further consideration before implementation.

NFU Scotland is also calling for a comprehensive Wildfire Resilience Strategy covering land management and emergency preparedness.

It wants targeted support for upland livestock grazing, firebreak maintenance, vegetation management, access routes and water points.

Future agricultural support should also recognise the public benefits of active upland management, the union said.

It is urging ministers to work with farmers, crofters, other land managers and wildfire specialists on practical measures informed by evidence.