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Eagle swoops on Buckie gull menace


By Alan Beresford

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A BUCKIE councillor is keen to find out more about the problems seagulls are causing in the area.

Councillor Tim Eagle is keen to hear local people's experiences with the gull menace.
Councillor Tim Eagle is keen to hear local people's experiences with the gull menace.

Councillor Tim Eagle has already received several complaints already this year about the gull menace in and around Buckie and is urging people to get in touch with their experiences so the full extent of the problem can be gauged.

He said: “I have been contacted by several local people about seagulls causing problems across Buckie.

"These have ranged from noise problems to actual attacks. Whilst we all wish to live and support nature sadly these conflicts do sometimes arise.

"A control programme in Elgin paid for through the common good fund has been successful in recent years in helping to reduce incidents of gull attacks. It is possible that we could consider something similar for Buckie.

“There are several things that can be done to help limit the problems caused including deterring birds from nesting on houses, if the problem is widespread throughout the area than as a community we may wish to consider a few trials using specialist pest controllers to see what could be done to help.

“I would be really keen to hear from residents in Buckie about there views on Gulls and whether they believe anything should be done. It would be important to have the backing of local people if we were to consider looking into some trial work.”

“Local people can contact me through Facebook or at my council e-mail address, Tim.eagle@moray.gov.uk"

The gull menace is not confined to coastal communities. In Elgin, there have been demands for action to be taken, including from father and son Neil and Fraser Sandison (17). Both have spoken of being targeted by gulls while out delivering papers.

However, Police Scotland have warned residents not to take matters into their own hands in a bid to tackle gulls.

Police Scotland has issued a warning to Moray residents about the illegal removal of seagull nests and eggs.

The force says that people are breaking the law if they act without the necessary permission.

A spokesperson said: "Numerous reports have been made to Police Scotland regarding the removal of seagull nests and eggs within the Moray area without the relevant Nature Scot licences in place.

"Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to recklessly injure or kill any gull, or damage or destroy an active nest, or its contents.

"It is also illegal to prevent gulls from entering their nests.

"Moray residents (within selected areas) can notify Moray Council of any gull nests on roofs, via their online form on their website, or can call the dedicated contractor on 07564 768581.

"They can only assist with eggs.

"Once hatched, Moray Council cannot remove them."


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