NFUS calls for rethink of September muirburn licensing start

NFU Scotland has called for a delay to the new muirburn licensing scheme in Scotland, which is set to take effect on September 15, warning that the scheme could undermine wildfire prevention during a period of increasing risk.

Debbie Playfair, chair of the environment and land use committee at NFUS, 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."

The muirburn licensing regime has raised concerns about its impact on land management practices.

Debbie Playfair, chair of the environment and land use committee, NFU Scotland (Image: NFU Scotland)

Ms Playfair said: "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.

"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."

NFUS said the recent Cairngorms wildfire highlighted the growing threat posed by wildfires.

NFUS supports a balanced, evidence-led approach to upland management, combining livestock grazing with other appropriate tools, including cutting and responsible muirburn, to reduce wildfire risk while delivering environmental benefits.

The organisation is calling for a comprehensive Wildfire Resilience Strategy that recognises the role of active land management.

This would include targeted support for measures such as upland livestock grazing, firebreak maintenance, vegetation management, access routes and water points.
Supporting NFUS's calls, Scottish Conservative rural affairs and environment spokesman Finlay Carson said: “The recent devastating wildfires in the Cairngorms have brought the SNP’s muirburn licensing scheme back into sharp focus.

 “And the reality is that it remains not fit for purpose.

 “Ministers have had ample time to deliver a licensing scheme that fully considered the needs of those who will have to tackle an increasing number of wildfires in the coming years.

 “But arrogant SNP ministers have ploughed ahead regardless thinking they know best.

 “With this scheme set to be imposed in a matter of weeks, SNP ministers must once again hit the pause button on this flawed plan and engage further with those in rural Scotland who will be majorly impacted by this legislation.”

 NFUS has urged the Scottish Government to delay the muirburn licence rollout, ensure future agricultural support recognises the role of active upland management in delivering public benefits, and work collaboratively with farmers and crofters, land managers and wildfire experts to develop practical, evidence-led approaches to reducing wildfire risk.