NFU Scotland has welcomed the decision by Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister Rhona Brankin not to grant a licence at this stage for a trial introduction of the European beaver in Argyll.

Chairman of the NFUS Environment and Land Use Committee George Lawrie said:

"This has clearly been a difficult decision for the Minister to reach as there were environmental arguments both for and against the project. But we believe the right decision has been taken and a trial cannot go ahead until it is absolutely clear that the right controls and management are in place.

"We agree that any introduction of a species has to be preceded by a trial. However, this must be based on sensible criteria and we therefore join the Minister in requesting that SNH develop a species conservation framework for Scotland. This will be of benefit to management of the countryside and we look forward to being involved with SNH in development of the framework."