Wildlife campaigners hailed a "historic day for Scotland" as the government protected status to Beavers, while a major agriculture group feared a "ticking time bomb".

"This is an historic day for Scotland and a milestone for the many of us who have worked together for years on the return of this species," said Barbara Smith, the chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.  "(It) is a vital step in welcoming beavers back as a natural part of our ecosystem and a most welcome success as part of wider and continued efforts to protect and enhance our natural heritage."

Officials reintroduced Beavers back into the wild in Argyll in a closely monitored program.  Other private owners had seen escapes, especially along the Tay River where the population grew faster than expected.  That led to unregulated culling, and a group of ecologists and conservation bodies called upon the Scottish government to make good on an earlier promise and grant European Protected Status to the Beavers. 

The new law makes it illegal to kill the animals, or destroy established dams and lodges without a licence.

But now, farming representatives continue to raise concerns about damage to agricultural land and waterways.

"Beavers create problems with drainage systems in low-lying areas, the undermining of flood banks, and these can run into thousands of pounds," said Martin Kennedy of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, who believes the rapid spread of the big toothed rodents amounts to a "ticking time bomb".

Backers of the new rules say land managers will have the ability to deal with "localized damage" caused by Beavers, and to use lethal control methods as a last resort.