By Elizabeth Hunter

Beavers have been released in a Highland glen for the first time - 400 years after their extinction in Scotland.

A family of five beavers, and a pair of beaver mates, were released at two sites on Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in the northwest Highlands.

The release, around 15 miles from Loch Ness , was the first by government-run Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), and the second in Scotland outside of their existing legally recognized range.

FLS, which manages the National Nature Reserve , has been working in partnership with Trees for Life since 2022, supported by nature restoration charity Beaver Trust .

Issues were raised prior to the introduction by local farmers, but FLS says the three-phase consultation process was

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