David Green

Answer · Stephen Gethins · 22 Jul 2026

We will take forward our Heat in Buildings Bill in this Parliamentary session to support homeowners, landlords and tenants to transition to clean heating in a fair and affordable way.The Scottish Government's legislative programme will be agreed by Ministers and announced to Parliament in due course in the usual way.

Answer · Jim Fairlie · 15 Jul 2026

The Scottish Government recognises that gamekeepers, farmers, crofters and other land managers can make an important contribution to wildfire prevention and response, including through vegetation management, local knowledge, practical experience, personnel and equipment.NatureScot has engaged with stakeholders through the Muirburn Code Working Group. That engagement has helped inform the development of the Code, including provisions relating to safe planning, appropriate resourcing, liaison with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the role of muirburn as a land management tool.No separate formal assessment has been undertaken specifically of the contribution made by gamekeepers and other land managers to wildfire prevention and response. As no separate assessment has been produced, there are no findings to publish.However, the knowledge and experience of land managers have been considered through the consultation and stakeholder engagement process, and has informed the development of a Code intended to be practical, proportionate and capable of supporting safe licensed muirburn where appropriate.

Answer · Jim Fairlie · 15 Jul 2026

NatureScot has worked through iterations of the Muirburn Code of Practice with stakeholders through the Muirburn Code Working Group. Stakeholder views have been considered throughout the development of the Code, including concerns raised most recently by some stakeholders about the workability of the draft provisions.Following that engagement, NatureScot has worked with stakeholders to revise the Code to ensure that it supports safe and responsible licensed muirburn, while also protecting peatlands, habitats, species and the wider natural environment.The Code is intended to provide a clear and practical framework for muirburn. It does not prevent muirburn from being undertaken where it is lawful, licensed where required, and carried out safely and appropriately. Where muirburn is proposed for wildfire prevention purposes, NatureScot will consider applications through the licensing process, including the specific circumstances of the land and the purpose of the proposed burning.The Scottish Government will continue to engage with NatureScot and stakeholders as the licensing regime is implemented, to ensure that the Code remains workable in practice and supports both wildfire prevention and environmental protection.

Answer · Jim Fairlie · 15 Jul 2026

As set out in response to S7W-01487 on 15 July 2026, NatureScot has worked through iterations of the Muirburn Code of Practice with stakeholders through the Muirburn Code Working Group. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.A consultation on the draft Code closed in May 2025 and responses have informed NatureScot’s consideration of the final version of the Code. Stakeholder feedback has also been considered through direct engagement with the Muirburn Code Working Group and wider discussions with interested parties.The Scottish Government does not currently intend to publish a separate summary of the representations received on the draft Code. However, the final version of the Code will reflect the outcome of NatureScot’s engagement with stakeholders and the consideration given to consultation responses.

Answer · Jim Fairlie · 15 Jul 2026

The impact of the new Muirburn Code will be kept under review as part of the wider implementation of muirburn licensing. NatureScot will monitor the operation of the licensing system, including any issues arising from licence applications, licence conditions, compliance activity and stakeholder feedback.Wildfire frequency, extent and severity are influenced by a range of factors, including weather conditions, vegetation, land use, fuel load, visitor behaviour and climate change. It will therefore not be possible to attribute changes in wildfire activity solely to the Muirburn Code. However, the Scottish Government will continue to work with NatureScot, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other relevant partners to consider available evidence on wildfire risk and land management practice.The Code will remain subject to review where evidence indicates that changes are required to ensure it remains effective, proportionate and workable in practice.

Answer · Angela Constance · 16 Jun 2026

My officials are in regular contact with NHS Highland regarding the opening of the Invergordon GP walk-in clinic. NHS Highland is responsible for the operational management of the pilot however the Scottish Government is providing support where required. I appreciate the hard work of the health boards to get these services up and running and my thanks go to our hard-working NHS staff for delivering these.

Answer · Angela Constance · 16 Jun 2026

NHS Highland is responsible for the operational management of the GP walk-in pilot site in Invergordon, including opening dates and securing staffing. We are clear that any site must be safe and sustainable- NHS Highland informed us last month of a delay due to recruitment and my officials are in regular contact with NHS Highland to ensure that there are no further delays.