Commenting as the Scottish Government make an announcement on the future of the beavers living on the River Tay, Scottish Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Simon Milne said:

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust acknowledges that this has been a very difficult decision for the Minister for Environment to make and welcomes the pragmatic approach.

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust remains opposed to the illegal release of wild animals into the Scottish countryside. However, tolerating and studying the unlicensed beavers on the Tay until the end of the official Scottish Beaver Trial in Argyll will enable the Government to make a more informed decision on the future of all beavers in Scotland.

“It will be important to record and study any management required of the unlicensed beavers and their effects, and consider this alongside the evidence and experience accrued during the 5-year Trial ending in 2014.”