A TORY MSP has been criticised after launching a bid to stop beavers being added to a list of protected species.

John Scott, a farmer who represents Ayr, said the case had not been made for the reintroduction of the animals and argued the harm they will do “is becoming more and more apparent”.

He wants to scrap a proposed amendment to conservation regulations which would make beavers in Scotland a European protected species and place strict rules on culls.

But Scottish Greens environment spokesman Mark Ruskell MSP insisted the Tories should be ashamed of themselves for trying to block legal protections.

He said: “They would allow the indiscriminate and unregulated killing of beavers to continue.

“These vital steps being taken to protect beavers follow years of joint working and they give a significant level of protection to beavers whilst recognising the benefits of sustainable management approaches.

“We’ve already had three years of delay. Pregnant beavers and their young are likely being shot today.

“It’s time for decisive action, and while it’s disappointing that Tories plan to put narrow land-owning interests first, I’m sure they will find themselves isolated on this.”

SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said the amendment simply created “a framework within which lethal control can be operated, as it is at the moment”.