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Motion · S6M-18716 · 3 Sep 2025

How a Tiny Beetle is Wiping Out British Heather

Lodged by Alexander Burnett (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party) Standard Motion 26 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament believes that moorlands are at risk due to the insurgence of the heather beetle; acknowledges what it sees as the direct impact that this is having on Scotland's contribution to global biodiversity due to the damage caused; understands that, while the heather beetle has been around for many years, it has always been kept in check by weather and predators; believes that, with increasingly warmer weather, and the changes made to management, such as cutting and burning, it has been more difficult to control outbursts and that, consequently, greater swathes of heather moorland are being destroyed; considers that the loss of healthy heather means the degradation of vital habitat, particularly for specialist upland birds, and also has an impact on the amount of other insects hatching on the moors; believes that this has a direct impact on farmers and graziers, and recognises calls for more research into, and treatment on, managing heather beetle outbreaks.

Supporters (26)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.