By Fatma Younis
Beavers will be reintroduced to the waters around Loch Ness for the first time in 500 years after the Beaver Trust and Trees for Life received permission to release up to 15 beaver families over the next three years.
Licensed Release Over Three Years
The first releases could occur as early as November, with animals moved from other parts of Scotland to hand-picked sites in lochs, lochans and rivers around Loch Ness. Specific locations will be announced only after the reintroductions to allow the beavers to settle without disturbance. NatureScot, Scotland’s environment agency, approved the scheme, stating the animals could “significantly improve” biodiversity in the River Ness catchment, which is considered at low risk of negative impacts.
Ecological Benefits Highlighted
Alan McDonnell, head of nature restoration at Trees for Life, said beavers are key allies in tackling climate and biodiversity crises. Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, head of restoration at the Beaver Trust, noted the reintroduction will benefit nature, climate and people. The charities said beaver dams and canals restore wetlands, improve freshwater ecosystems, support wildlife and help manage droughts, wildfires and flooding. They also pointed to economic benefits from eco-tourism in the Loch Ness area.
Community Support and Concerns
A consultation showed more than 73% of respondents supported the proposal, though some land and fisheries managers and residents raised concerns. Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot’s director for wildlife management, said the agency takes those concerns seriously and believes monitoring and mitigation plans, alongside the existing beaver mitigation scheme, can resolve potential conflicts.
Historical Context
Beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland several hundred years ago before being officially reintroduced in 2009. The last widely cited historical record, dating from 1526‑27, places beavers around Loch Ness in Hector Boece’s History and Chronicles of Scotland. NatureScot identified the River Ness catchment in 2022 as one of Scotland’s most suitable areas for beavers, with extensive habitat and low risk to other land uses.
