NatureScot to discuss gull 'management' measures after attacks on children
Conservation body NatureScot has expressed its willingness to collaborate with local authorities in the Scottish Borders to address concerns over aggressive gull behaviour. The issue gained attention after reports of children being attacked in Eyemouth, prompting calls for action to control gull populations.
Last year, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) was informed that seven children had been injured by herring gulls within a single month, leaving some with head wounds. Councillor James Anderson urged action before March, emphasising the need to reduce gull numbers while acknowledging the impossibility of eliminating them entirely.
NatureScot has stated it is open to working with councils on strategic approaches to manage gulls, particularly before the breeding season. However, the organisation emphasised the importance of balancing public safety with the conservation of gull populations, which have been in significant decline due to changes in food availability, land use, and recent avian flu outbreaks.
Revised gull licensing guidance introduced last year by NatureScot restricts control measures to situations where public health and safety are at risk, highlighting that these interventions should be a last resort.
"We know gulls can cause challenges in towns and cities, but the evidence shows they are struggling," said NatureScot. "We have a responsibility to balance their conservation with public interests like health and safety."
NatureScot is already advising other councils, including those in Inverness, Elgin, Nairn, and Aberdeen, on effective deterrents and management strategies. East Ayrshire Council's progress in managing gull issues has also been cited as a positive example.
Preventative measures, public education, and coordinated local action remain the key focus of NatureScot's support. The organisation stressed that while individuals can take steps to deter gulls from their properties, broader, collaborative efforts are often more effective.
As the 2025 gull breeding season approaches, NatureScot is encouraging more councils to engage with them to create sustainable and effective solutions for managing gull populations while safeguarding public safety.
23 January 2025
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