Bats

There are strict regulations with regards to bat conservation that you need to be aware of prior to starting any project of this nature. The Scottish Government Rural Affairs Department can grant what is known as a Habitat Regulation Licence. This will allow you to carry out the work subject to certain conditions. For more detailed advice on this subject, please contact NatureScot or the Bat Conservation Trust.

You must not go ahead and carry out the work without consulting the aforementioned organisations as you will be committing a criminal offence and will be liable for a large fine.

NatureScot (formerly known as Scottish Natural Heritage), a government agency, offers advice on this issue and will visit your home free of charge to offer you the necessary help. You must not go ahead and carry out the work without consulting them as you will be committing a criminal offence and will be liable for a large fine. See the website in related information to find your local area team.

If there is a chance of the bats being injured or killed or the roost being damaged a licence will be needed. Contact NatureScot before proceeding with any work.

Before any work is begun a bat survey should be carried out by a competent consultant. If there is a roost present, the consultant will be able to advise on applying for a licence to the Scottish Government. For more information please contact NatureScot. 

Yes. The Conservation (Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended), makes it an offence to deliberately capture or kill bats, to deliberately disturb a bat or to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting site of any bat. For more information please contact NatureScot.