Monday September 28th 2026
South Scotland Green MSP Laura Moodie
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
South Scotland Green MSP Laura Moodie and Scottish Borders Green councillor Neil Mackinnon have expressed disappointment after Scottish Borders Council removed support for community-led work exploring the potential return of beavers to the Tweed.
The vote came a day after the Scottish Parliament backed a Green amendment calling for communities to have an active role in catchment-wide flood management and for greater use of nature-based solutions.
A Green motion, brought by Neil Mackinnon, asked Scottish Borders Council to formally welcome the establishment of local organisation Beavers on Tweed.
Beavers on Tweed is a local non-profit organisation who work to gather evidence, build local partnerships, and improve public understanding about beaver reintroduction.
However, a Liberal Democrat amendment deleted the motion’s original wording and replaced it with a commitment to take a watered-down approach to biodiversity across the catchment.
The amended motion passed.
Beaver wetlands can create valuable habitats and may help landscapes retain water, slow its flow and become more resilient to flooding, drought and wildfire.
Local Green MSP Laura Moodie, who is also Scotland’s Eurasian Beaver MSP nature champion, said: “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.”
Councillor Neil Mackinnon said: “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.”
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