But Ministers say the move is vital to ensuring Scotland works its way towards a zero-emission future, and insist it is the right thing for the environment.

Here’s the lowdown on what the new laws say.

What’s been banned?  

The Scottish Government is keen to move away from carbon-emitting heat sources, so all new-build properties applied for after April 1st 2024 are prohibited from installing system that rely on fossil or bio fuels.

This means gas boilers and wood-burning stoves are now no longer allowed in new-build properties, which must be designed around an alternative heating source such as a ground pump, heat network or electric heaters.

Will this affect the stove I have in my house? 

No – the ban only covers properties that have yet to be built. Existing wood-burners are fine, for now, and one can be installed in a new house if the building warrant – which lasts three years – was granted before April this year.

The Scottish Government wants to move from wood-burning stoves (Image: NQ)

But I want to install a wood burner in my house. 

This also appears to be fine – it’s not a ban on the industry, it’s a ban on installing wood-burners in new-build properties.

So, what’s to stop me installing a stove once my house is built?  

Nothing currently. However, architects have said that flues and chimneys will not be included on new-build properties, meaning these would also have to be added to install a stove, hugely increasing the cost.

But the Scottish Government is currently carrying out a consultation on how Scots heat existing properties, and is looking to bring in new laws in the future.

Not coming to a new-build near you ….

Why are people upset?  

Many people in rural communities rely on wood-burning stoves to heat their homes when the power goes out – and this can be frequent in winter. So the new law, which came in at the start of April, will deny anyone building a home from now on to rely on this resource.

There are also warnings it will hit both the industry which supplies and maintains wood-burning stoves, as well as the timber businesses which supply the fuel.

These are economic lifelines for some rural communities – leading to accusations the policy is one dreamt up in the Central belt without considering the impact it would have in further-flung settlements.

The Scottish Government has also been accused of a U-turn, which claims wood-burning stoves could be used as back-up heat sources.