A ban on the installation of wood burning stoves in new-build properties has sparked calls for government policies to be ‘rural proofed’ as organisations slammed poor communication from the Scottish Government.

New regulations mean ‘climate friendly heating systems’ must be used in any home where the building warrant was applied for after April 1. The move which will see current technology such as gas boilers banned in favour of systems such as ground source heat pumps.

The news sparked outrage on social media and the Scottish Government has rowed back on a ‘ban’ being in place, stating that stoves can still be installed in new homes for emergency purposes.

Caroline Millar, sector lead of Scottish Agritourism said the organisations supported moves to tackle climate change but said communication from the Scottish Government could have been better.

She said: “Scottish Agritourism and the members we represent is committed to tackling climate change and contributing to net zero targets both in our farming and tourism enterprises.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters