Two years on from its stove ban u-turn, the Scottish Government has published new research into domestic burning, that it is likely to shape future legislation.
The study into solid fuel burning examined three scenarios. They were; ‘burn less’, ‘burn better’ and ‘targeted stock upgrades’.
The research found that ‘burn better’ was the most impactful, leading it to suggest the tighter regulation of fuels as well as an information campaign on the selection of correct fuels was likely to produce the greatest reduction in harmful emissions. The authors said this should include a campaign of mandatory chimney sweeping and appliance inspection, which it said had proved effective at eliminating “wet” wood burning in Germany.
The report also found that the harmful impact of domestic burning is concentrated in urban areas, not rural ones, and that mineral fuels account for more of the impact than wood. Of the 160 deaths the research attributes to domestic burning, wood accounts for 58, coal for 46 and manufactured solid fuel for 55.
Lastly, around a fifth of the pollution blamed for premature deaths comes from outside Scotland.
HETAS said it did not believe the industry should worry about the report.
A spokesperson said: “While this has made some headlines, it is important to remember that this is an evidence study, not a policy announcement.
“No new rules have been proposed, nothing changes for installers, sweeps, retailers, or households today. None of the options modelled in the report involves banning or taxing log burners.
“The report uses modelled scenarios as an indication of the potential impact of different measures, and is intended to inform the strategy that will succeed Cleaner Air for Scotland 2. This is expected to go to public consultation and be published by the end of 2026.”
Commenting on the research findings, it added: “The best-performing option by a wide margin is the one built around fuel. This reflects something we, and the rest of industry, have been vocal about for years: an appliance is only as good as what it burns.
“One of the report’s own conclusions is that driving significant further reductions would require alignment with a much more ambitious emissions standard than current modern appliances are held to. Work towards exactly that is already underway.
“Defra has consulted on a new smoke emission limit of 1g per hour, plus 0.1g per 0.3 kW of output, for solid fuel appliances placed on the market. We support this, and the proposal is more stringent than it even appears on the surface.”
Fireplace Specialist magazine asked the Scottish Government if the research results meant any moves to limit stove use or launch a stove scrappage scheme were now ruled out and also for details of how it would enforce any wood moisture content rules?
It said: “The recent study examining the potential health benefits of further policy actions relating to domestic solid fuel burning in Scotland looked at the potential health benefits of reducing solid fuel use, improving burning practices, and targeted upgrades to housing stock. Its findings will help inform ongoing work on air quality with stakeholders, delivery partners, and researchers.
“Potential measures relating to domestic solid fuel burning were included in a UK-wide consultation held between January and March 2026. Proposals included stricter smoke emission limits for new appliances, health impact labels on new stoves, and health impact labelling on solid fuel packaging. The UK Government is expected to publish its response later this year.
“Our current focus is on reviewing the available evidence, including recent research and consultation outcomes, to inform future policy considerations on domestic emissions and air quality.
“Any future proposals in Scotland would be developed in consultation with stakeholders and the public. There are currently no plans for further consultation on additional measures relating to domestic solid fuel burning.”