The European beaver is to be reintroduced to Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years, it was announced yesterday.
The European beaver is to be reintroduced to Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years, it was announced yesterday.
Environment Minister Michael Russell has given the go-ahead for up to four beaver families to be released in Knapdale, Argyll, on a trial basis in spring 2009.
The beaver was hunted to extinction in this country in the 16th century for its fur.
Mr Russell said: "I am delighted that this wonderful species will be making a comeback. This is an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts all over Scotland and beyond.
"They are charismatic, resourceful little mammals and I fully expect their reappearance in Knapdale to draw tourists from around the British Isles - and even further afield."
Other parts of Europe with a similar landscape to Scotland have reintroduced beavers with positive ecological benefits, he added.
Under the project proposals, wild beavers will be captured in Norway in autumn 2008, and placed in quarantine for a six-month period, after which three to four families will be released at five lochs in the Knapdale area. Progress will be monitored until spring 2014.
It follows a public consultation exercise in which more than 70% of participants favoured a beaver comeback in Scotland. However, 57% of people living closest to the proposed release site were not keen on the prospect.
Opposition also came from the Scottish Crofting Foundation, and there were misgivings from some forestry and game fishing bodies about the return of the creatures, which eat grass, herb and bark.
The trial will be run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland over the next five years, and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will monitor its progress.
David Windmill, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: "This is excellent news.
"It is a strong and visible sign of the Scottish Government's commitment to carrying out conservation in Scotland and re-building our depleted biodiversity."
