The Scottish Government will “review and realign” the regulations governing wood-burning stoves

The Scottish Government has pledged to “review and adapt” the regulations surrounding wood stoves and biomass boilers.

A ban on wood-burning stoves in new-build Scottish homes came into force on April 1, alongside a similar ban on oil and gas boilers.

The Scottish Government then stressed that there were exceptions “for emergency heating systems”. However, the rules suggest there will be “little justification” for a derogation for ordinary housing and has led to a backlash from industry and rural communities.

Responding to a question at Holyrood from Scottish Tory MP Rachael Hamilton about plans to review the heat standard in new buildings, Climate Action Minister Gillian Martin said she was “listening to the concerns raised by communities”.

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“(The Scottish Government) will review the regulations on wood stoves and biomass boilers with a view to adapting them to address the inflexibility issues they have raised,” Martin told MPs.

“The outcome of this review will ensure resilience to power and heat disruptions and respect for the culture and traditions of rural communities and sustainable systems.

“I want to make sure that climate-friendly alternatives to direct emissions are promoted appropriately across Scotland, without unintended consequences.”

The minister pledged to carry out the review “within a short period of time in cooperation with communities”.

Deputy Prime Minister Kate Forbes described the move as a “very significant moment”.

The Highland MP, who has previously called for a rethink of the regulations, added: “This is excellent news and I am grateful to everyone who has contacted me with concerns about the essentially banning the installation of wood stoves in new buildings.

“This Government, led by John Swinney representing rural Perthshire, and with my support as Member of Parliament for the Highlands, fully understands the priorities, concerns and ambitions of rural communities and we will change tactics if necessary.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Greens co-leader and former minister Patrick Harvie said the SNP had suffered a “bit of vested interest lobbying”.