Ministers in Scotland have temporarily dropped restrictions that ban new homes and buildings from installing wood burning stoves.
The New Build Heat Standards (NBHS) came into effect in April, banning the use of direct-emission heating systems including gas or oil boilers.
But a ban on wood burners, designed to encourage people to install heat pumps and other green heating systems, has been reversed due to potential impacts it would have on people in rural communities.
The Scottish Conservatives have staunchly campaigned against the ban, while Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes raised her own concerns about how it would impact her constituents in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
Alasdair Allan, the climate action minister, has written to local authorities confirming that the restrictions have been dropped. He letter said: "The review is now concluding and we will implement the outcome of this by the end of December 2024."
The Stove Industry Association (SIA) has welcomed the announcement and has long argued that modern wood burning stoves are a lower carbon-emitting alternative to direct electric heating.
“We commend the Scottish government for taking this common sense and progressive step," said chairman Andy Hill.
"This direction not only promotes the use of renewable energy sources but also provides homeowners with more options for efficient and sustainable heating.”