Advisor Scotland

By Felix Meister, D.Phil., Advisor Scotland On Monday 26 January 2026, GWCT Scotland sent an open letter to the Scottish Minister of Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, which sets out our views on muirburn licensing and peatland management in the context of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. During Stage 2 discussions of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, Jim Fairlie had previously considered the possibility of introducing changes to muirburn licensing.

By Felix Meister, D.Phil., Advisor Scotland NatureScot has issued new General Licences for 2026, which are in effect from 1 January to 31 December 2026. Wildlife managers operating under General Licences are required to understand the current licences and comply with their terms and conditions.

By Felix Meister, D.Phil., Advisor Scotland 10 December marks the official end of the grouse-shooting season in the UK. Thus, it provides an excellent opportunity to update on the results of the health testing in red grouse carried out by the GWCT Advisory Services in Scotland in 2025. Grouse health testing depends to a large degree on birds shot during the grouse-shooting season.