European beavers are not known for building lodges

Scottish Natural Heritage undertook a survey of people in the wider area of mid Argyll, who were asked for their views on the proposal.

Of the 59 responses received, 64% were in favour, 24% against and 12% did not express a clear opinion.

Forty people living in the immediate vicinity of the trial site responded, of whom 65% were in favour, 27.5% were against and 7.5% did not express a clear view.

The pilot study will only go ahead next year if it wins the approval of SNH's main board and is granted a licence by the Scottish Executive.

The project is also backed by Argyll and Bute Council, which sees benefits for tourism as well as wildlife.

However, some people remain concerned that beavers might damage salmon fisheries and could carry disease.

We would then tag them with radio transmitters and release them

Nancy Fraser Scottish Natural Heritage

The beaver was hunted for its fur, its meat and a scent gland which was said to cure headaches.

A separate project to return the animal to the wild in England is also being planned, with conservationists seeking the go-ahead to place beavers in a 40-hectare (100-acre) enclosure in the Fens, East Anglia, later this year.

The Scottish project would take place over seven years, with the beavers imported from Norway.

Nancy Fraser of Scottish Natural Heritage said: "The animals would be flown over and quarantined. We would then tag them with radio transmitters and release them."

If the trial is successful, there are plans to introduce the creatures all over Scotland.