Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026

• (a) a statement of any action the Scottish Ministers intend to take, and

• (b) where the Scottish Ministers do not intend to take any action, their reasons for not taking action.

• (5) The Scottish Ministers must lay the report before the Scottish Parliament and, at the same time, send a copy of the report to a committee of the Parliament whose remit includes matters relating to deer management for the time being appointed by virtue of the standing orders of the Parliament.

• (6) In this section—

• “deer” is to be construed in accordance with section 45 of the 1996 Act,

• “natural heritage” is to be construed in accordance with section 45(1) of the 1996 Act.

Part 4 — Miscellaneous and general

Building regulations: swift nest box

Building regulations: swift nest box

41

The Scottish Ministers must, before the expiry of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, make regulations under section 1 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 to make provision for the installation of swift nest boxes in such buildings as described in the regulations where reasonably practicable and appropriate.

Marine protection

Nature conservation marine protected areas: climate adaptation

42

• (1) The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 is modified as follows.

• (2) In section 68 (Nature Conservation MPAs: additional requirements relating to designation), in subsection (7)—

• (a) for “may” substitute “must”,

• (b) after fourth “to” insert “climate adaptation and”.

Salmon and freshwater fishing

Modification of offences and penalties related to fishing

43

• (1) The Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 is modified as follows.

• (2) In section 1 (methods of fishing: salmon)—

• (a) in subsection (6)—

• (i) at the beginning, insert “Subject to subsection (7),”,

• (ii) for “level 4 on the standard scale” substitute “the statutory maximum”,

• (b) after subsection (6), insert—

(7) Where the commission of an offence under this section results in the taking of more than one salmon, the person who committed the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum in respect of each salmon taken.

.

• (3) In section 2 (methods of fishing: freshwater fish)—

• (a) in subsection (1)—

• (i) after “subsections” insert “(1A),”,

• (ii) for “level 4 on the standard scale” substitute “the statutory maximum”,

• (b) after subsection (1), insert—

(1A) Where the commission of an offence under this section results in the taking of more than one freshwater fish, the person who committed the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum in respect of each freshwater fish taken.

.

• (4) In section 5 (prohibition against using explosive and other noxious substances for the destruction or taking of fish)—

• (a) in subsection (3)(a)—

• (i) at the beginning, insert “Subject to subsection (4),”,

• (ii) for “the statutory maximum” substitute “£40,000”,

• (b) after subsection (3), insert—

(4) Where the commission of an offence under this section results in the taking, destruction or stunning of more than one fish, the person who committed the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the maximum fine in respect of each fish taken, destroyed or stunned.

.

• (5) In section 6 (fishing for salmon without right or permission)—

• (a) in subsection (1), the words “and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale” are repealed,

• (b) after subsection (1), insert—

(1A) A person found guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is, on summary conviction, liable— (a) where the offence results in the taking of a salmon, subject to subsection (1B), to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, (b) otherwise, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale. (1B) Where the commission of an offence under this section results in the taking of more than one salmon, the person who committed the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum in respect of each salmon taken.

.

• (6) In section 7 (illegal fishing by two or more persons acting together)—

• (a) the existing text becomes subsection (1),

• (b) in that subsection, in paragraph (a)—

• (i) at the beginning, insert “subject to subsection (2),”,

• (ii) for “the statutory maximum” substitute “£40,000”,

• (c) after that subsection, insert—

(2) Where the commission of an offence under this section results in the taking of more than one salmon or freshwater fish, the person who committed the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the maximum fine in respect of each fish taken.

.

• (7) In section 10 (offences in relation to passage of salmon)—

• (a) in subsection (1)—

• (i) at the beginning, insert “Subject to subsection (1A),”,

• (ii) for “level 4 on the standard scale” substitute “the statutory maximum”,

• (b) after subsection (1), insert—

(1A) Where the commission of an offence under this section results in the taking of more than one salmon, the person who committed the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum in respect of each salmon taken.

.

• (8) In section 19 (salmon roe), in subsection (1), for “level 3 on the standard scale” substitute “£40,000”.

• (9) In section 20 (possessing salmon which have been illegally taken, killed or landed), in subsection (2)(a), for “level 3 on the standard scale” substitute “£40,000”.

• (10) In section 23 (young salmon and spawning beds), in subsection (7), for “level 3 on the standard scale” substitute “£40,000”.

• (11) In section 33A (unauthorised introduction of fish into inland waters), in subsection (5), for “level 3 on the standard scale” substitute “£40,000”.

• (12) In section 38 (salmon conservation regulations)—

• (a) in subsection (7), the words “and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale” are repealed,

• (b) after subsection (7), insert—

(7A) A person found guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is, on summary conviction, liable— (a) where the offence results in the taking, killing or otherwise harming of a salmon, subject to subsection (7B), to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, (b) otherwise, to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale. (7B) Where the commission of an offence under this section results in the taking, killing or otherwise harming of more than one salmon, the person who committed the offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum in respect of each salmon taken, killed or otherwise harmed.

.

Report on penalties in sea fisheries legislation

Report on penalties in sea fisheries legislation

44

• (1) The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 is modified as follows.

• (2) After section 60, insert—

(60A) (1) The Scottish Ministers must publish a report on the effectiveness of relevant penalties in ensuring compliance with the sea fisheries legislation— (a) within the Scottish enforcement area, and (b) by Scottish fishing boats (wherever they are operating). (2) The report must, in particular— (a) set out the relevant penalties covered by the report, (b) explain why those penalties have been selected, (c) assess the effectiveness of those penalties in ensuring compliance with the sea fisheries legislation, and (d) identify any changes to the penalties that the Scottish Ministers consider likely to improve compliance with the sea fisheries legislation. (3) The report may include any other matters related to the sea fisheries legislation that the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate. (4) In preparing the report, the Scottish Ministers must consult such persons as they consider appropriate. (5) The Scottish Ministers must— (a) publish the report within the period of 2 years beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, and (b) before publishing the report, lay the report before the Scottish Parliament. (6) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations modify a penalty in the sea fisheries legislation in connection with a change identified under subsection (2)(d). (7) In this section— (a) a “relevant penalty” is a penalty— (i) contained in the legislation, and (ii) which the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate to review. (b) “Scottish enforcement area” and “sea fisheries legislation” are to be construed in accordance with section 53.

.

• (3) In section 62(2)(a), at end insert—

(aa) regulations under section 60A(6),

.

Gulls

Report on gull population

45

• (1) Scottish Natural Heritage (in this section referred to as “SNH”) must, in respect of each reporting period, prepare and publish a report on the gull population in coastal and urban areas of Scotland.

• (2) A report under subsection (1) must—

• (a) provide information about the gull population in coastal and urban areas,

• (b) set out (so far as possible) any shift or trend in the distribution of gulls between coastal and urban areas,

• (c) include any other matter relating to the gull population in coastal and urban areas as SNH consider appropriate.

• (3) In subsection (1), “reporting period” means—

• (a) in the case of the first report, the period of 5 years beginning with the day after Royal Assent,

• (b) each subsequent period of 5 years.

• (4) In this section, “gull” means gulls of the species—

• (a) black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus),

• (b) common gull (Larus canus),

• (c) great black-backed gull (Larus marinus),

• (d) herring gull (Larus argentatus), and

• (e) lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus).

Scallop shells

Guidance about scallop shells

46

• (1) The Scottish Ministers must issue guidance in relation to the by-products conditions and the end-of-waste conditions for scallop shells.

• (2) The waste regulation authority is to have regard to any guidance issued under this section in relation to the exercise of its functions.

• (3) Before issuing guidance under this section, the Scottish Ministers must consult—

• (a) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency,

• (b) Food Standards Scotland,

• (c) such other persons as they consider appropriate.

• (4) The Scottish Ministers must—

• (a) issue guidance under subsection (1) within the period of 1 year beginning with the date this section comes into force, and

• (b) publish any guidance issued.

• (5) In this section—

• (a) a reference to the by-products conditions is a reference to the conditions listed in regulation 15(3) of the Waste and Agriculture (Legislative Functions) Regulations 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/190),

• (b) a reference to the end-of-waste conditions is a reference to the conditions listed in regulation 16(3) of the Waste and Agriculture (Legislative Functions) Regulations 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/190),

• (c) the waste regulation authority is to be construed in accordance with section 30(1)(b) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990,

• (d) “scallop shells” means the shells of king scallops (Pecten maximus) and queen scallops (Aequipecten opercularis).

Wildlife licensing

Licensing: protection of mountain hares

47

• (1) Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (power to grant licenses) is modified as follows.

• (2) In subsection (3), after paragraph (e) insert—

(ea) for the purpose of falconry to kill or take mountain hares (Lepus Timidus) during the period beginning with 1 October and ending with the last day of February,

.

Licensing: land on which certain birds may be killed or taken

48

• (1) Section 16AA of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (“the 1981 Act”) (licensing: land on which certain birds may be killed or taken) is modified in accordance with subsections (2) to (5).

• (2) In subsection (4), for paragraph (c), substitute—

(c) describe the area of land to which the applicant proposes the licence should relate,

.

• (3) After subsection (5) insert—

(5A) The relevant authority may— (a) where it considers it reasonable and appropriate to do so, propose to the applicant a different area to which the licence is to relate from that specified in the application, together with reasons for such a proposal, and (b) if unable to reach agreement with the applicant as to what is an appropriate area of land to which the licence is to relate, refuse the application.

.

• (4) In subsection (9)(b)(ii)(A), for the words “on the land” substitute “that supports or benefits the activities permitted by the licence,”.

• (5) After subsection (9) insert—

(9A) The relevant authority may not modify a licence under subsection (9)(a) to identify a different area of land to which the licence relates from that which was identified when the licence was granted without the prior agreement of the licence holder.

.

• (6) The relevant authority may not suspend or revoke a relevant section 16AA licence under section 16AA(9)(b)(ii)(A) of the 1981 Act, as amended by subsection (4) of this section, in relation to a relevant offence (or conduct which the relevant authority is satisfied constitutes such an offence) committed prior to the coming into force of subsection (4), unless the relevant offence (or conduct) was committed on the land to which the licence relates.

• (7) For the purpose of subsection (6)—

• (a) “relevant authority” and “relevant offence” are to be construed in accordance with section 16AA(13) of the 1981 Act,

• (b) “section 16AA licence” is to be construed in accordance with section 16AA(1) of the 1981 Act and a “relevant section 16AA licence” means a section 16AA licence which was granted prior to the coming into force of this section.

Wildfires

Wildfires: enabling local authorities to issue fixed penalty notices

49

• (1) The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 is modified as follows.

• (2) In section 201 (byelaws for good rule and government)—

• (a) in subsection (3), at the beginning, insert “Subject to subsection (4),”,

• (b) after subsection (3) insert—

(4) Without limit to the generality of subsection (1), a local authority may make byelaws in connection with the prevention of wildfire (including, in particular, by prohibiting or regulating the lighting and control of a fire or any activity likely to cause a fire).

.

• (3) After section 204 insert—

(204A) (1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for and in connection with the issuing of fixed penalty notices in respect of any byelaws made under section 201 which relate to the prevention or suppression of wildfires. (2) Regulations under this section must specify— (a) the byelaws in relation to which fixed penalty notices may be issued, and (b) the persons who may issue fixed penalty notices. (3) The persons who may be specified for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) are— (a) the persons, or categories of persons, that a local authority has authorised in writing for the purpose of issuing fixed penalty notices, and (b) such other persons, or categories of persons, as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate. (4) A fixed penalty notice provided for in regulations under this section must state— (a) the byelaw to which it relates, (b) particulars of the circumstances alleged to constitute the offence, (c) the date on which the fixed penalty notice is issued, (d) the amount of the fixed penalty, (e) the person to whom payment may be made and the person’s address, (f) the payment period, (g) the method by which payment may be made, (h) the effect of paying the fixed penalty within the payment period and the consequences of not paying the fixed penalty within that period, (i) details of any procedure for challenging or appealing the fixed penalty notice. (5) Regulations under this section may, in particular, include provision— (a) specifying the form and content of a fixed penalty notice, (b) specifying how a person or category of persons may be authorised to issue fixed penalty notices, (c) conferring powers to enter land (other than dwelling-houses) for or in connection with the issuing of a fixed penalty notice, (d) about the circumstances in which fixed penalty notices may or may not be issued (including any test which must be satisfied before a person authorised to issue such notices may do so), (e) about the withdrawal of fixed penalty notices including when it is permissible, the effects of such withdrawal and the procedure by which the withdrawal is effected, (f) specifying the amount of the fixed penalty which is to apply to an offence (including different amounts for different purposes), being not more than level 2 on the standard scale, (g) specifying the person to whom payment may be made (who need not be the person who issued the fixed penalty notice), (h) specifying the payment period, (i) about the circumstances in which a person to whom a fixed penalty notice is issued may decline the notice or otherwise object to or challenge it (including the period within which the person may do so and the procedure for doing so), (j) about the effects of failing to decline or otherwise object to or challenge a fixed penalty notice before the end of the period specified for doing so (including that such failure is deemed to be acceptance of the notice), (k) conferring on the person who issued the fixed penalty notice or the person to whom payment may be made the power to extend the payment period in any particular case if the person considers it appropriate to do so, (l) about the methods by which fixed penalties may be paid, (m) for the amount of a fixed penalty to be discounted or increased by an amount or percentage in circumstances specified by the regulations (but not so as to make the amount payable more than level 2 on the standard scale), (n) specifying the effect of paying a fixed penalty within the payment period (for example, that no proceedings may be brought in respect of the offence to which the fixed penalty notice relates), (o) about the consequences of not paying a fixed penalty within the payment period (including the ability to refer offences for prosecution and how liability to pay the penalty may be enforced), (p) for additional procedure relating to fixed penalty notices (for example to make provision for hearings or appeals), (q) for the destination of funds, the keeping of accounts and the preparation and publication of statements of account relating to fixed penalties provided for under the regulations, (r) specifying persons who may prepare and publish guidance on issuing fixed penalty notices (including when prosecution is more appropriate), (s) creating offences relating to— (i) the obstruction of a person who is exercising functions in relation to fixed penalty notices, (ii) a failure to provide information requested in connection with a fixed penalty notice. (6) The maximum penalty that may be provided for in regulations under this section creating an offence is, on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale. (7) Before making regulations under this section, the Scottish Ministers must consult— (a) persons that they consider to be representative of local authorities, and (b) such other persons as they consider to be interested in or affected by the issuing of fixed penalty notices in respect of any byelaws made under section 201 which relate to the prevention or suppression of wildfires. (8) Regulations under this section— (a) are subject to the negative procedure if the regulations are only— (i) removing a reference to a byelaw which has been revoked, or (ii) specifying, for the purpose of subsection (2)(a), a byelaw which has been made to replace a byelaw (with or without modification) which was previously specified and which has substantially the same effect, (b) are otherwise subject to the affirmative procedure. (9) Regulations under this section may also make— (a) incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision that the Scottish Ministers think necessary or expedient, (b) different provision for different purposes. (10) In this section— - “fixed penalty notice” means a notice specifying a sum of money that may or must be paid as an alternative to prosecution for an offence, - “payment period” means the period of time within which a fixed penalty may or must be paid.

.

Meaning of public authority in the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004

Meaning of public authority etc. in the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004

50

• (1) The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 is modified as follows.

• (2) In section 58 (interpretation)—

• (a) in subsection (1), the definition of “public body or office-holder” is repealed,

• (b) after subsection (3), insert—

(4) For the purposes of this Act (unless the context otherwise requires), a reference to a “public body or office-holder”— (a) is a reference to (any of)— (i) a Scottish public authority, (ii) so far as not falling within sub-paragraph (i), a cross-border public authority, and (iii) a statutory undertaker and any person exercising functions of a public nature, but (b) does not include— (i) any court or tribunal or body exercising the judicial power of the state, or (ii) any body to which paragraph 3(2) of Part III of schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998 applies.

.

• (3) The title to section 58 becomes “Interpretation and application”.

Ramsar sites

Further provision about Ramsar sites

51

• (1) The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 is modified as follows.

• (2) After section 38, insert—

(38A) (1) The Scottish Ministers must by regulations make provision for and in connection with the preservation and protection of designated wetlands. (2) Without limit to the generality of subsection (1), regulations under this section may— (a) make provision about— (i) the identification and listing of wetlands, (ii) the conservation of designated wetlands, including by setting conservation objectives, and (iii) monitoring designated wetlands, (b) modify the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2716) (“the habitats regulations”), (c) apply particular provisions of the habitats regulations to designated wetlands, (d) modify or apply any other enactment (including this Act), (e) create or apply offences and penalties, (f) confer a power of entry to land (other than a dwelling-house). (3) The maximum penalty that may be provided for in regulations under this section creating an offence is— (a) on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, (b) on indictment, a fine. (4) Before making regulations under this section, the Scottish Ministers must— (a) consult— (i) SNH, (ii) Environmental Standards Scotland, and (iii) any other persons that the Scottish Ministers consider likely to be affected by or interested in the regulations, and (b) be satisfied that making the regulations will maintain or improve the level of environmental protection existing in law at the time the statement is made. (5) The Scottish Ministers must, at the same time as laying any regulations under subsection (1), lay before the Scottish Parliament a statement explaining why they are satisfied that the regulations will maintain or improve the level of environmental protection existing in law at the time the statement is made. (6) Regulations under this section must be made within the period of 5 years beginning with the day on which the Bill for the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 receives Royal Assent. (7) In this section, “designated wetlands” means wetlands designated as described in section 38(1). (8) Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the affirmative procedure.

.

• (3) In section 53 (orders and regulations: general), in subsection (4), after “2G,” (inserted by section 1(4) of this Act), insert “38A,”.

Forestry

Sustainable forest management

52

• (1) The Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 is modified as follows.

• (2) After section 8, insert—

(8A) (1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision in connection with sustainable forest management (including the implementation of the forestry strategy). (2) Regulations under this section may, in particular— (a) require specified persons to comply with specified requirements of the UK Forestry Standard, (b) provide for the issuing of a remedial notice under section 54(1) in respect of a failure to comply with such a specified requirement, (c) make provision about circumstances in which the specified requirements do not apply. (3) Before making regulations under this section, the Scottish Ministers must consult— (a) persons that they consider are representative of the forestry sector in Scotland, and (b) such other persons as they consider appropriate. (4) In the event that there is a new edition of the UK Forestry Standard endorsed by the Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Ministers must— (a) review any regulations made under this section, and (b) if appropriate, lay a draft of a Scottish statutory instrument containing regulations updating the regulations before Parliament. (5) For the purpose of this section— (a) “the UK Forestry Standard” means— (i) the fifth edition of the technical standard for sustainable forest management, published in 2023 and endorsed by the Scottish Ministers, (ii) the most recently published subsequent edition of such standard which is endorsed by the Scottish Ministers, or (iii) in the event of there being no published UK Forestry Standard which is endorsed by the Scottish Ministers, such other document as the Scottish Ministers consider most similar to the UK Forestry Standard, (b) “specified” means specified in the regulations.

.

• (3) In section 22 (key terms in Part 4), after the definition of “temporary stop notice” insert—

• “UKFS requirement” means a requirement specified in regulations made under section 8A(1).

.

• (4) In section 53 (power of entry: failure to comply)—

• (a) in subsection (1)—

• (i) the “or” immediately following paragraph (e) is repealed,

• (ii) after paragraph (f), insert

, or (g) a UKFS requirement.

,

• (b) in subsection (2), for “or (as the case may be) the notice” substitute “, the notice or (as the case may be) the UKFS requirement”,

• (c) in subsection (3), after paragraph (c) insert—

(d) in the case of a UKFS requirement, the land on which the particular forestry activity to which the UKFS requirement relates is taking place.

.

• (5) In section 54 (remedial notices)—

• (a) in subsection (1)—

• (i) the “or” immediately following paragraph (c) is repealed,

• (ii) after paragraph (d), insert

, or (e) a UKFS requirement.

,

• (b) in subsection (3), for “or (as the case may be) registered notice to comply” substitute “, registered notice to comply or (as the case may be) UKFS requirement”.

• (6) In section 76 (regulations), in subsection (2), before paragraph (a) insert—

(za) section 8A(1),

.

• (7) In schedule 3 (index of defined expressions), at the appropriate place insert—

UKFS requirement	Section 22

.

Forestry: offence of unauthorised felling

53

• (1) The Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 is modified as follows.

• (2) In section 23 (offence of unauthorised felling)—

• (a) in subsection (1), after “fells” insert “or knowingly causes or permits another person to fell”,

• (b) after subsection (3), insert—

(4) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to show that the person reasonably believed that the felling was carried out in accordance with a permission, direction or notice mentioned in paragraph (b)(i) to (vi) of that subsection.

.

Improvement plans under the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021

Procedure to approve improvement plans

54

• (1) Section 30 of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 (improvement plan) is modified as follows.

• (2) In subsection (3), in the opening words after “Parliament” insert “for approval”.

• (3) In subsection (5)—

• (a) in the opening words, for the words from “, within” to “approved” substitute “the Parliament does not resolve to approve the plan”,

• (b) in paragraph (b), for “resolved not to approve the plan” substitute “did not resolve to approve the plan”.

• (4) Subsection (8) is repealed.

Muirburn

Muirburn licensing: making muirburn for purpose of approved training course

55

• (1) The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 is modified as follows.

• (2) In section 13 (application for muirburn licence), in subsection (2)—

• (a) in paragraph (a), after sub-paragraph (vi) insert—

(vii) training as part of a training course approved under section 17,

,

• (b) in paragraph (b), after sub-paragraph (iv) insert—

(v) training as part of a training course approved under section 17.

.

• (3) In section 14 (grant of muirburn licence), in subsection (2)—

• (a) in paragraph (a), after “(ii)” insert “or (b)(i) to (iii)”,

• (b) in paragraph (b), for “(vi)” substitute “(vii) or (b)(iv) or (v)”.

Muirburn licensing: grounds for grant of licence

56

• (1) The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 is modified as follows.

• (2) In section 14 (grant of muirburn licence), in subsection (1)(b), paragraph (ii) is repealed.

General

Regulations

57

• (1) A power to make regulations conferred by this Act includes the power to make—

• (a) different provision for different purposes or areas, and

• (b) incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision.

• (2) This section does not apply to section 59.

Ancillary provision

58

• (1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make any incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision they consider appropriate for the purposes of, or in connection with, or for giving full effect to this Act or any provision made under it.

• (2) Regulations under this section may—

• (a) modify any enactment (including this Act), and

• (b) make different provision for different purposes.

• (3) Regulations under this section—

• (a) are subject to the affirmative procedure if they add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act, but

• (b) otherwise, are subject to the negative procedure.

Commencement

59

• (1) This section and sections 57, 58 and 60 come into force on the day after Royal Assent.

• (2) The other provisions of this Act come into force on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations appoint.

• (3) Regulations under this section may—

• (a) make different provision for different purposes or areas,

• (b) include transitional, transitory or saving provision.

Short title

60

The short title of this Act is the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026.