Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. Muirburn Licensing

As you will likely know, the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 brought in several provisions in respect of the management of sporting grouse shooting in Scotland.  The first provision, the introduction of grouse moor licensing, commenced last year.

The second tranche of legislation, the introduction of licences for muirburn operations, was due to come into force this autumn.  Lobbying by colleagues in Scottish Land and Estates and BASC, fully supported by the other shooting organisations, has persuaded Ministers not to commence the muirburn licensing provisions until 1 January 2026. This provides landowners with just over six months to complete surveys to inform muirburn licensing applications. It is expected that the licensing portal will open this summer, well ahead of the provisions' effective date. 

The third tranche of the legislation, which involves the management of spring traps, is expected to be introduced next year.

We will keep you updated on the introduction of this legislation as soon as we learn of it.  If you have any queries about this, please don’t hesitate to phone the office.