The SNP has U-turned on their wood-burning stove ban, with Climate Minister, Alasdair Allan temporarily pausing controversial guidance issued earlier this year until the new law can be changed.
The Scottish Tories described it as a "long overdue climbdown" of the policy spearheaded by Green co-convenor Patrick Harvie during his time in government.
The New Build Heat Standard required all new Scottish homes and buildings to install “climate-friendly heating systems” and forbid the use of direct emission heating (DEH) systems in any house where the building warrant was applied for after April 1.
WANT MORE ON THIS STORY?
- Scottish ban on wood burning stoves in new builds takes effect
- Leading architect slams 'crazy' ban on wood-burning stoves
- Firewood: Forester gives his take on wood-burning stove 'ban'
Effectively, this meant that new houses and conversions were not allowed to use gas or oil boilers, or any form of bioenergy where electricity or heat is generated from organic matter such as wood.
Instead, housebuilders were expected to use what are known as zero DEH systems such as heat pumps, solar thermal storage systems or electric storage heaters.
The new rules did allow exceptions for DEH systems permitted for as "emergency heating" but there was widespread confusion over what this meant.
One of the most prominent critics was Kate Forbes, who was, at the time, out of government.
A review was launched into the standard shortly after she became John Swinney's Deputy First Minister, following the breakdown of the Bute House Agreement, and the collapse of Humza Yousaf's leadership.
In a letter to local authority bosses last week, Dr Allan said: “The review is now concluding and we will implement the outcome of this by the end of December 2024. The review examined the role of both wood-burning stoves and bioenergy systems more widely, as well as peat.
“In advance of the legislative amendment and to ensure current concerns on the use of wood-burning stoves and bioenergy are addressed promptly and with consistency, I am now issuing a direction which temporarily disapplies the requirement for the installation of Zero Direct Emissions Heating systems to enable applicants to install a bioenergy or peat heating system or appliance.”
Magnus Davidson, a research associate at the University of Highlands and Islands’ Environmental Research Institute, said: “This is good news and very interesting recognition for those living closely with peatlands.
“Another showcase of rural communities achieving positive changes to poorly thought out policy from the Edinburgh parliament.”
The u-turn was raised during First Minister's Questions, by Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton who said her party was responsible for forcing the government to change tack.
She said: "This morning, the SNP government has caved in to pressure from the Scottish Conservatives to abandon its misguided ban on wood-burning stoves, which would have stopped the installation of wood-burning stoves in new homes.
"Hundreds of constituents who rely on those heating systems have shared with me the harmful impact of such a ban, particularly on those who live in rural communities and those facing extreme winter conditions.
"Will the First Minister now commit to a permanent ban of the policy that he has introduced? Will he also consider looking at the businesses that have been affected and offer them compensation for their job losses?"
Mr Swinney replied: "The Government has set out its position. If Rachael Hamilton’s response is a supposed welcome to the Government’s agreeing with her, I would hate to hear what her reaction would be if we said that we disagreed with her."
The Stove Industry Association (SIA) has welcomed the announcement, calling it a “common sense and progressive step”.
The SIA had called for a review of the NBHS, arguing that modern wood burning stoves are a lower carbon-emitting heating option to direct electric heating.
SIA chairman Andy Hill said: “We commend the Scottish government for taking this common sense and progressive step.
"This direction not only promotes the use of renewable energy sources but also provides homeowners with more options for efficient and sustainable heating.”
This article originally appeared in our sister title, the Herald.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here