In a letter to Murdo Fraser MSP, the Environment Minister Aileen McLeod has written off claims that Beavers played a role in aggravating the flooding in Alyth in July.
In her letter she states that “SEPA's initial findings are that there is no evidence that beaver activity significantly contributed to the flooding.”
SEPA are due to publish the full findings of their investigation in September and Murdo Fraser MSP is looking forward to seeing what lessons can be learned to prevent future floods of this scale.
In his initial letter to Aileen McLeod Murdo had asked the minister to postpone any move to reintroduce beavers until the full reasons behind the Alyth flood were known.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Alyth residents are still recovering from the flooding in late July with many homes and businesses still not fit for habitation and they, like me, will await the full SEPA report with interest.
“Residents in Alyth are understandably concerned that if lessons are not learnt, similar levels of flooding could hit the town again. It is important that SNH, SEPA and their relevant partners fully investigate all possible causes of flooding in Alyth.
“If the Government and SNH are clear that beavers had no role in the Alyth flood it is important that they outline what factors contributed to the flooding so that proper flood defences can be invested in.”