A SCOTGOV consultation on the reintroduction of beaver to Scotland has recorded overwhelming support for the policy.

More than 500 responses were received, with over 83% of respondents stating that they agreed with reintroducing the species to Scotland. Further, the respondents did so with their eyes wide open, backing the official assessment of the potential impacts of reintroduction, and supporting appropriate mitigation measures.

The consultation report noted that some dissenting voices were raised, principally land managers stressing the importance of long-term funding and a viable management framework being put in place to support effective mitigation measures.

Commenting on the report, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The reintroduction of the beaver to Scotland, after the species was hunted to extinction centuries ago, is testament to the Scottish Government’s commitment to Scotland’s biodiversity, and it’s very encouraging to see the vast majority of respondents to the consultation agree with that decision.

“However, we are very aware that the reintroduction has potential impacts, in particular in areas of prime agricultural land, which some groups are understandably concerned about," she conceded. "This is why we have been at pains to work collaboratively with stakeholders wherever possible to discuss those concerns, evaluate potential impacts, and come up with practical and proportionate solutions or mitigation measures where possible.

“We asked stakeholders whether they agreed that the Strategic Environment Assessment achieved those aims, and it’s heartening that they appear to agree that it does. We continue to move forward with our intentions to introduce legislation to give beavers protected species status.”