Muirburn Licence Scheme Changes

It has recently been confirmed that the implementation of the licence scheme will be delayed until Autumn 2026. It was previously expected that by 1^st January 2026, it would be a requirement to have a licence to carry out muirburn with the online application process launching on the NatureScot website.

The reason behind this change is that it provides more time to carefully consider how these necessary changes to licensing can be brought forward in a way which does not adversely affect the ability to prevent and respond to wildfires which have been seen to have a devastating impact this Summer.

While there is no application process currently live, there are steps that NatureScot are encouraging people to complete to prepare for the changes coming into force and you can read more about this and find supporting resources on Muirburn licensing | NatureScot