After nearly 500 years without beavers around Loch Ness, Scottish conservation groups have won approval to reintroduce up to 15 family groups over three years; the first releases are expected within weeks

• Wild beavers are set to return to the Loch Ness catchment area for the first time in 500 years after officials approved a major rewilding project in the Scottish Highlands.
• Scottish nature agency NatureScot has granted an official release licence to conservation charities Trees for Life and the Beaver Trust.
• Under the approved Ness Beaver Project, conservation teams will release up to 15 beaver family groups into suitable waterways across the River Ness catchment over three years.