Questions on return of beavers to Cairngorms raised at Holyrood
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands has welcomed the recent reintroductions of beavers into the Cairngorms National Park while seeking assurances that farmers' businesses will be supported through the process.
During Portfolio Questions at Holyrood earlier today, Ariane Burgess asked what measures the Cairngorms National Park Authority is taking to mitigate any impacts on agricultural businesses from beaver translocations.
She said beaver reintroductions have the dual benefit of facilitating the translocation of the species into suitable habitat and also providing an alternative to lethal control methods.
Speaking after her question, Ms Burgess said: "The return of beavers to the Cairngorms is a landmark achievement for conservation and rewilding efforts in Scotland.
"These ecosystem engineers play a vital role in creating wetland habitats that support a wide range of species and help make landscapes more resilient to climate change impacts like flooding and drought."
However, the Scottish Green MSP emphasised the need to work closely with farmers and crofters who may be affected by beaver activity on their land.
She commented: "While the overall benefits of beavers are clear, I recognise the concerns from some in the agricultural community about potential impacts on their businesses.
"That's why I'm urging the CNPA to support farmers and ensure adequate mitigation measures are in place where needed."
Ms Burgess also welcomed the nomination of areas in the Highlands and Islands region for potential new national park status.
She said: "I'm delighted that Lochaber and Loch Awe have been proposed as possible future national parks in my region.
"Awarding them this status would be a tremendous opportunity to protect these precious landscapes, while generating economic and social benefits for local communities."
The Scottish Greens have long campaigned for more national parks to safeguard Scotland's world-renowned natural heritage and support rural economies through sustainable tourism.
