It is 400 years since beavers inhabited Scotland but there is a scheme to reintroduce them recently agreed by the Government’s conservation agency. In partnership with other bodies the board of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) agreed a compromise recommendation to go ahead with the proposals.
Following a meeting of Forestry Commissioners a final decision will be taken by First Minister Jack Mcconnell.
It is hoped a site will be found on FC land with some of the costs raised through sponsorship, possibly from wildlife charities.
Angling, timber and landowning interests are concerned that beavers could damage fish stocks and river environments.
Beavers became extinct in Scotland as a result of hunting them for the high prices the pelts commanded.
Up to 12 European beavers would initially be re-introduced, although a pilot colony could eventually include several dozen animals. The European species is a vegetarian and, unlike its North American cousin, does not build huge dams.
