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Up to 15 beaver families are to be released around Loch Ness, 500 years after the species was last recorded

A baby beaver in the Scottish Highlands. Trees for Life and the Beaver Trust have been licensed to release up to 15 family groups into the Loch Ness area, with initial releases possibly beginning next month.
A baby beaver in the Scottish Highlands. Trees for Life and the Beaver Trust have been licensed to release up to 15 family groups into the Loch Ness area, with initial releases possibly beginning next month.

NatureScot has licensed Trees for Life and the Beaver Trust to release up to 15 beaver family groups around Loch Ness over a three-year programme, with the first animals potentially arriving as soon as next month. Running until 2029, the Ness Beaver Project will target lochs, lochans and rivers at carefully chosen sites to establish a connected population. Precise locations will be disclosed only once the beavers have settled, shielding them from disturbance.

Beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland during the 16th century and did not return officially until 2009, when they were reintroduced at Knapdale in Argyll.

More than 73% of those consulted supported the scheme, although land managers and fisheries interests voiced concerns about effects on farmland and waterways.

Any beaver found damaging prime agricultural land will be caught and moved to a licensed site elsewhere in Scotland.

MoreBBC News - ScotlandBeavers to return to River Ness area after 500 yearsThe IndependentBeavers will be reintroduced to Loch Ness waters 500 years after last recordEvening StandardBeavers to return to waters around Loch Ness 500 years after last sightingThe HeraldRelease of dozens of beavers to highland site gets go-aheadPressat.co.ukLicence granted for historic return of beavers to waters around Loch Ness – 500 years after last sighting at world-famous loch - Pressat.co.ukInverness CourierBeavers to be released in River Ness - Inverness Courier
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