The Comhairle is seeking urgent clarification from the Scottish Government around the potential ban on wood-burning stoves.
Cllr. Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:
“The definitions within the amendments to the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 are confused and confusing. Comhairle officers have been seeking clarity around the regulation and we await that clarity from Government. Wood burning stoves have long been considered to provide “low or zero carbon” heating, so this change appears over-zealous and does not take into account island contexts. This looks, once again, like an urban style policy being foisted onto island communities without proper consideration of island circumstances. The Comhairle will continue to engage with Government to make the case for island-proofing and to ensure an approach that does not disadvantage islanders.”