Scottish Government Reverses Wood-Burning Stove Ban for New Homes

The SNP lifts restrictions after backlash from rural communities, allowing bioenergy and peat systems in new builds.

The Scottish government has amended the New Build Heat Standard to permit wood-burning stoves, bioenergy, and peat heating systems in new homes starting January 1.
The original ban, introduced in April, aimed to reduce emissions by prohibiting direct-emission heating systems, including gas and oil boilers.
Rural and island communities strongly opposed the ban, citing reliance on wood burners during power outages and extreme weather.
The decision follows a review acknowledging the unique heating needs of remote areas, where electric heating may be impractical.
The prohibition on mains gas and oil boilers remains, as the government seeks to balance emissions reduction with community resilience.