The mammals have been flown from Norway to the UK as part of a re-introduction trial at Knapdale Forest. After six months in quarantine they will be transported to the Mid Argyll site and released into the wild in four family groupings in spring of 2009.

The project has caused controversy since it was first muted in 2000 but was given the official seal of approval by the Scottish Government almost a year ago.

The project was undertaken after a EU directive called for extinct species to be re-introduced into their natural habitats. The beaver was identified as an ideal candidate for the re-introduction programme and Scottish Natural Heritage and the Royal Zoological Society have taken forward the project.

Environment minister Michael Russell said: ‘Scottish Natural Heritage will closely monitor the progress of our new residents over the next five years.

The impact the beavers have on the local environment and ecoonomy must be carefully assessed before we can make any decision on whether to approve any further reintroduction.’

Chairman of South Knapdale Community Council Hugh Semple said: ‘There has been so much said about the beavers already that I think it is now time to give them a chance.’

Project manager of the beaver trial Simon Jones echoed this view: ‘This is a great opportunity for people to get behind a project that could potentially rejuvenate the local economy and environment.’

He added: ‘If there are any problems, which we are not anticipating, they will be small scale and local. We have the powers to provide compensation through our insurance procedures.

‘If a beaver settles somewhere it shouldn’t, we will easily be able to move it back to where it belongs.’

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