BASC calls for delay to muirburn licensing scheme

BASC is calling on the Scottish Government to pause the implementation of the proposed muirburn licensing scheme until the 2026/27 season.

The decision to push ahead with the scheme in its current state risks creating confusion, eroding trust, and undermining efforts to manage Scotland’s uplands effectively.

The government intends to enforce the muirburn licensing regime from 15 September 2025. This would coincide with the start of the 2025/26 muirburn season. However, the muirburn code is still under active consultation by NatureScot and members and practitioners across the country are voicing deep concern over the practicality and workability of the proposals.

Compounding these issues is the recent surge in wildfires across Scotland. This highlights the vital importance of controlled burning as a land management tool. Introducing licensing at this point, without clarity, consensus, or readiness, would be reckless.

BASC has been engaging robustly in the consultation process to ensure that its members’ voices are not only heard but heeded. Among the most pressing issues are:

• ambiguous guidance on peatland depth measurement;
• the unclear distinction between legal obligations and best practice; and
• overly prescriptive restrictions on burning on slopes.

These gaps must be addressed before any licensing regime can be credibly implemented.

BASC also points to the chaotic rollout of the grouse shoot licensing scheme in 2024 as a stark warning. Despite clear advice from BASC to delay the scheme, it was rushed in before 12 August start date, resulting in confusion, particularly around the land that was covered by grouse shoot licences.

Concerns are not confined to the shooting community. Other rural organisations, including the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland, have warned of the wide-ranging implications for landowners, farmers and land managers.

BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said: “The Scottish Government must now take the responsible course of action: hit pause on this flawed rollout and commit to a timeline that ensures due diligence, stakeholder confidence and regulatory clarity. Scotland’s uplands deserve nothing less.”