#2026/200Scotland starts new muirburn licensing rules under wildlife and natural environment laws
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This regulation brings parts of Scotland’s new muirburn licensing system into force. From 18 June 2026, rules under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 begin for muirburn linked to approved training courses and for the grounds on which licences may be granted. Further parts of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 start on 15 July and 15 September 2026. Land managers, farmers, estates, gamekeepers, and conservation bodies should prepare for the new licence regime, noting that any muirburn licence granted under the 2024 Act will not take effect before 15 September 2026 unless the licence sets a later date.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Starts selected Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 rules on muirburn training and licence grounds from 18 June 2026
- Sets 15 July 2026 and 15 September 2026 as start dates for further Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act 2024 provisions
- Confirms that muirburn licences granted under the 2024 Act cannot take effect before 15 September 2026 unless a later date is stated
Obligations
What this law requires
Do not treat or rely on any muirburn licence granted under section 14 of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 as having legal effect before 15 September 2026, unless the licence specifies a later effective date.
From 18 June 2026, comply with the muirburn licensing provisions brought into force for making muirburn for the purpose of an approved training course under section 55 of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026.
From 18 June 2026, applicants and licensing authorities must apply the grounds for grant of a muirburn licence under section 56 of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 when seeking or determining a muirburn licence.