Approval was last week given to controversial plans to release beavers at the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve near Gartocharn.
NatureScot approved a licence application from RSPB Scotland to release a family of beavers at Aber Burn.
The decision marks the third new site approved for the release of beavers in Scotland, following the initial beaver reintroduction trial at Knapdale in Argyll and the release at Argaty, near Doune, last year.
However it has faced fierce opposition from local anglers and farmers in Gartocharn.
The application from RSPB Scotland was submitted in October and was assessed by NatureScot.
The proposed release site was said to be highly suitable for beavers, with low conflict potential.
An environmental report highlights that beavers have been present in the catchment since at least 2019, and are likely to further colonise it naturally.
NatureScot believes that speeding up the natural colonisation process in this location by releasing beavers will help to improve population numbers and genetic diversity, delivering a wide range of benefits for nature in the national park.
However Gartocharn’s Sally Page, who had been working with farmers and anglers to campaign against the move, outlined her anger at the move.
The former councillor said: “The nature reserve at Loch Lomond holds international and national designations for its biodiversity, it has been protected for 70+ years because it is considered to be ‘Scotland’s jewel in the UK biodiversity crown.
“No one knows the damage that will be caused by the beavers and what will be lost, there are aquatic plants and flora that is unique to this reserve.
“I do not feel that many of the serious concerns raised by all those who may be impacted by the enormous changes that beavers can make to a landscape, have been considered.
“The Aber Burn, where the beavers will be released, is to be purposefully blocked prior to their arrival, to make them feel at home.
“The Aber Burn takes the outflow from the Gartocharn Water Treatment Works and from the Lagganbeg Caravan Park, surely it is not a good idea to block the flow?
“At a public meeting in Gartocharn 80 percent of those who attended were against the translocation of beavers, all land is precious not just prime agricultural land, here we have good grazing land but it is useless if flooded.”
NatureScot’s head of wildlife management Donald Fraser said: “This decision will allow beavers to be trapped and removed from highly productive agricultural land, and introduced to an ecologically suitable site, within their current natural colonisation range where they are expected to bring a range of benefits.
“We know that beavers can occasionally cause issues, and we recognise the concerns raised by some through the engagement process.
“We’re committed to working with RSPB Scotland, local communities and stakeholders to develop an effective monitoring and management plan that seeks to minimise any negative beaver impacts and maximise the benefits and opportunities of beaver restoration.”
