Beavers splash down in the Upper Spey
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Beavers are back in the Cairngorms after a 400-year absence following the release of two pairs into the wild.
Monday saw one pair set down at Rothiemurchus near Aviemore, while a second were released at an unspecified site.
The public is now being asked to give them a few weeks of space and quiet while they settle in.
A licence has been granted for up to six pairs to be released in the Upper Spey catchment area during the course of next year.
Jenny Bryce from NatureScot hailed the beavers as "ecosystem engineers".
She said: "By creating habitats such as ponds and wetlands where other species thrive, as well as moderating water flows and improving water quality, they help restore biodiversity and respond to the climate emergency in the Cairngorms National Park and beyond."
"In granting the licence we concluded that there is a low risk of conflict. However, we are committed to continuing to work alongside the park authority and local interests to address any potential issues that might arise."
The beavers were trapped in the Tay catchment area.
Before their release in the Cairngorms they were given a health check by vets at the Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian.
A specially developed beaver trail will open soon at Rothiemurchus to allow visitors to learn more about them.
Monday's release was overseen by Lorna Slater, the Scottish Government Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity.
She said: "Today is a key milestone in our ongoing collective efforts to ensure this iconic species can once again thrive across Scotland.
"The Scottish Government will continue to support the expansion of beavers across the country.
"We want both communities and nature to benefit from this mission. This is why we will ensure that farmers and land managers are supported to live alongside beavers as they make the Cairngorms their new home."
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