Wood burning stoves continue to be on the agenda for politicians at Holyrood after the new regulations mean that ‘climate friendly heating systems’ must be used in any new home are being ‘urgently’ reviewed.

The rules will see current technology such as gas boilers banned in favour of systems such as ground source heat pumps.

The issue was again raised in Holyrood during portfolio question time in the chambers when SNP MSP Christine Graham asked what discussions had taken place with rural communities on the legislation.

Responding for the Scottish Government, climate action minister Gillian Martin said that concerns about the regulation are being taken seriously.

She said: “We are urgently reviewing the position in light of those concerns and ensuring that we work with and communicate with all concerned parties, including businesses, as we do so.”

SNP MSP Emma Roddick welcomed the review and highlighted ‘contradictory information’ that is circulating.

The Minister concluded: I acknowledge that it can be difficult to reconcile the current guidance with the nature of wood-burning stoves, which are often installed for more frequent use rather than just for emergencies.

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“I am actively working to address those concerns and am actively considering how we can give better direction in that area. I will work with all concerned parties to ensure that I address those concerns.”

Speaking after question time, Tory MSP Jamie Halcro- Johnston, who will lead a debate on reversing the regulations said: “The SNP minister cannot continue to move the goalposts.

“Gillian Martin knows fine well that the new regulations impose an effective ban on the use of woodburning stoves in any new built home.

“This ban will have devastating consequences for communities across rural Scotland, where woodburning stoves are often the only source of heat for people living in these areas.

“That is why I have brought forward a debate – which has secured the support of SNP MSPs including the Deputy First Minister – urging them to reverse this ban.

“Now the Greens have been dumped from government, the minister at least took the step of agreeing to look again at these regulations, but she could go further. It is time for the SNP to finally ditch these plans and stop being so out-of-touch with the needs of rural Scotland.”

Rural organisations hit back when the move was announced saying remote households relied on wood burning stoves for heating during power cuts, leading the Scottish Government to clarify the stoves could be instilled to provide ‘emergency heating’.