GAMEKEEPERS across Scotland have been busy completing muirburn operations as the official heather burning season moved to a close.

The practice, permitted in Scotland between October 1 and April 15, encourages fresh regrowth to benefit grouse and various protected ground-nesting bird species, while also reducing the amount of old dried vegetation available to fuel uncontrolled wildfires.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area manager Bruce Farquharson, who also sits on the Muirburn Code Review steering group, described this year's muirburn season as a success: "The fire service has access to a fire danger rating system which alerts us to the risk of wildfires based on various factors such as temperature, wind speed and predicted rainfall. So far this year, the incidence of wildfire has been low, but conditions can change very quickly.

“This is, in no small part, due to the good management practices being carried out by grouse moor owners and gamekeepers across Scotland," said Mr Farquharson. "Seasonal burning and cutting, when conducted in adherence of the Muirburn Code, is one of the most effective means of significantly reducing the risk of damage from wildfires on moorland.

“Gamekeepers have shown a great understanding and knowledge of the land they manage on a daily basis and the risks and benefits of conducting muirburn. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service often works in partnership with gamekeepers if a wildfire does break out because keepers have the local knowledge and experience to assist firefighters and such situations can be very resource intensive," he said.

“Good relations and communications between the fire service and gamekeepers at a local level are absolutely key to the Muirburn Code’s success and any ongoing improvements.”

A Lammermuirs Moorland Group spokesman added: “Heather cutting with a tractor and swipe is increasingly used for preparing firebreaks around an area to be burnt, reducing the risk of fire spreading and improving the efficiency of the muirburn operation. Heather cutting can also be an alternative in wet or windy conditions where burning is not possible or near to sensitive areas.”

“Many estates have invested tens of thousands into equipment to carry out muirburn in accordance with the Code and this private investment demonstrates how committed moorland managers are to the long-term management of our uplands.”