On what date in 2018 will beavers (a) receive protection in line with the EU habitats directive and (b) be placed on the list of protected …

The date on which beavers will (a) receive protection in line with the EU habitats directive and (b) be placed on the list of protected species, depends on the completion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment process, which is currently underway. It is expected that this will be completed and the Scottish Statutory Instrument laid in the first half of 2018. I refer the Member to the answer to question S5W-13045 on 11 December 2017 for further details on the implications of granting beavers protected status. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx