The move marks a significant step in the return of the species.

With support from the Scottish government, RSPB Scotland has translocated a family of seven beavers to Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve (NNR).

It is hoped the move will not only help the once-widespread species to further recolonise Scotland, but will also enhance the natural habitats of the NNR and improve biodiversity.

The two adult beavers and their five young offspring were captured in Tayside last year. A licence was granted to move them and after undergoing health checks at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian, they have now been successfully released into their new home.

Only a small group of people witnessed the event, to reduce any possible stress for the beavers as their crates were opened. 

Lorna Slater, the Scottish government’s biodiversity minister, was part of the group. She said: “It’s been a delight to witness the translocation of this family of beavers to their new home in the Loch Lomond Nature Reserve. This once lost species were driven to extinction in Scotland, but are becoming an established part of our natural environment once again.

“Now children growing up in Scotland will grow up alongside beavers - learning about the amazing things that they do, like natural flood management, and creating wetland habitats that support a range of other species.”

Translocation not only helps encourage the species to spread to new places, but is also an alternative to licensed culling when beavers cause significant problems for farmers. Loch Lomond is now the third location in Scotland where beavers have been translocated.

Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been able to offer a home to this family of beavers, speeding up their return to Loch Lomond. The National Nature Reserve, with its mix of open water, fen and wet woodland is a perfect place for them. As nature’s engineers they manage and create habitat in ways we could never hope to replicate.

“We are looking forward to seeing the many benefits this should bring to other wildlife from birds to dragonflies, fish to frogs, both on our nature reserve and in the wider NNR.”

Local staff will closely monitor the beavers and their habitat to check how they settle in and measure the impact their behaviour has on the environment.