269.This section modifies the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 (“the 2024 Act”) in two respects.
270.The main change is to make it clear that a licence to make muirburn (on both peatland and non-peatland) may be granted for the purpose of training as part of a training course which is approved under section 17 of the 2024 Act. A licence may be granted in respect of making muirburn for this purpose outwith the muirburn season only if the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that it is necessary to do so.
271.The changes also confirm that it is not permissible to grant a licence for making muirburn on peatland out of season for the purposes set out in section 13(2)(b)(i) to (iii) (i.e. restoring the natural environment, preventing, or reducing the risk of, wildfires causing damage to habitats or preventing, or reducing the risk of, wildfires causing harm to people or damage to property). Muirburn for these purposes on peatland may be done only within the muirburn season.
The Act Muirburn Section 55 – Muirburn licensing: making muirburn for purpose of approved training course