The Scottish Greens have voiced disappointment after Scottish Borders Council voted to strip key support for community-led work exploring the return of beavers to the Tweed catchment. Instead of adopting the motion put forward by Scottish Greens Cllr. Neil MacKinnon, the council passed a Liberal Democrat amendment to delete the original wording and water down the call to support community-led work in the reintroduction of beavers.
Cllr. MacKinnon’s original motion had simply asked the council to formally welcome the establishment of Beavers on Tweed, a local non-profit dedicated to gathering evidence, building local partnerships, and raising public understanding around beaver reintroduction. Unfortunately, the council did not agree to this component of the motion.
Responding to the decision, South Scotland Green MSP Laura Moodie criticised the council’s refusal to engage proactively:
This was a modest motion supporting evidence and community-led discussions. It is disappointing that councillors removed the proposal to welcome that work.
“Beavers are ecosystem engineers. The wetlands they create can improve water quality, provide valuable habitats and help slow and store water during periods of heavy rainfall.
“But those wider benefits can bring significant challenges for farmers and land managers. Simply waiting for beavers to arrive naturally denies those who make their living from the land the certainty, planning and support that a coordinated approach can provide.
“Communities should be able to discuss the future of their catchment before change happens around them. The council should be supporting that preparation, not stepping back from it.”
Cllr. MacKinnon reiterated that the motion was about preparation and dialogue, rather than an immediate green light for reintroduction:
My motion did not ask the council to approve the reintroduction of beavers. It simply asked it to welcome a local organisation gathering evidence and putting communities first.
“The amendment acknowledged that beavers may return to the Tweed naturally, but removed support for the community-led work that could help us prepare for that possibility.
“Natural recolonisation will not bring coordinated support for farmers and land managers, or ensure that local communities are properly involved in shaping what happens next.
“Beavers on Tweed is creating an opportunity to consider the potential benefits and challenges openly and constructively. That work remains important, and I will continue pressing for communities across the catchment to be at the heart of the discussion.”
Despite the council’s step back, Scottish Borders Greens will continue to advocate for open engagement, evidence-based restoration, and proper support for land managers as communities face the growing challenges of climate change and nature loss.
