A Perthshire MSP said last week that the Scottish Government has “a moral obligation” to compensate farmers for damage caused by beavers.

Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser pointed out that farmers by the rivers Tay, Ericht and Isla had suffered “significant loss” due to flooding and crop damage.

Government agency NatureScot said in December last year that the beaver population in the Tay and Forth catchment areas is expanding rapidly.

Mr Fraser had been speaking in Holyrood before a visit to Perthshire this week by the Scottish Greens minister for green skils, circular economy and biodiversity Lorna Slater.

Ms Slater pointed out that beavers can be trapped under licence and removed from areas where they are causing agricultural damage.

Mr Fraser said: “I want to know if the Minister accepts that the SNP Government has a moral obligation here to compensate farmers who have suffered damage caused by beavers.

“I was encouraged to hear her say she will talk about mitigation plans when she visits NFU (National Farmer Union) Scotland in Perthshire next week and stated that beaver licences will continue to be available.

“While I welcome this engagement from the Minister, I know both the NFU Scotland and Scottish Land and Estates are both very concerned about this.

“We need some concrete action here as this is causing major concerns for many in the farming community in Perthshire.”

In 2019 beavers became a European Protected Species in Scotland.

NatureScot pointed out in December 2023 that throughout the Tay and Forth catchment areas “the beaver population is expanding rapidly” with an estimated 30 per cent annual increase in numbers, based on the change in beaver activity between 2017-2018 and 2020-2021, adding: “This means that the population has likely increased from 251 beaver territories detected in 2020-2021 to 424 beaver territories currently, or more than 1,500 individuals.”

Ms Slater said last week: “Beavers are native to Scotland, and their re-establishment will play an important role in restoring Scotland’s natural environment.

“NatureScot have a number of mitigation measures that can be used to support farmers and landowners who have been impacted by beaver activity.

“Beaver licences will continue to be available to deal with serious risks where there are no feasible alternatives for beaver management.

Source - https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk