Moray councillor calls government minister’s response about gulls ‘bitterly disappointing’
Hopes a ministerial intervention might help address the urban gull nuisance in Elgin and other towns has been dashed.
Moray Council wrote to the Scottish Government in September asking for legislation to be altered to make it easier to remove nests and eggs.
However, Jim Fairlie, the Minister for Agriculture, has rejected making any changes. Instead, the minister replied that businesses and individuals have a responsibility to “play their part” to reduce numbers by securing refuse bags and not feeding the birds.
Sandy Keith (Elgin North, Labour) put forward the original proposal, which received unanimous backing from his colleagues on the council.
Talking about the minister’s response, Mr Keith labelled it “bitterly disappointing”.
Mr Keith said: “When you ask people about gulls they want something done, but it seems as if NatureScot is a bureaucracy beyond control.
“And that’s why we called on the minister to bring some common sense to the issue.
“Judging by his response, though, he’s not going to do that. All we can do is keep the pressure up and hope at some point something will change.”
Elgin Common Good Fund spent £26,000 this year and a similar amount the year before on sonic devices that hinder gulls form breeding.
In addition, the council has forked out £100,000 on seagull control measures across Moray.
On top of that, businesses have also spent thousands to deter gulls from nesting and reproducing.
Gulls are a protected species and it is illegal to destroy them or their eggs, chicks and nests without a licence.
These licences are only usually issued when there is a risk to public health or safety.
Property owners or occupiers currently have to apply for a licence in each individual case, instead of one that covers a designated area.
The Scottish Government has asked NatureScot to carry out a review of its system.
A spokesperson for NatureScot said gull populations were in decline.
They added: “Our role is to balance the conservation of species with public interests such as protecting people from health and safety risks.
“To make sure we get that balance right, it’s vital that our licences take into account the latest science and evidence.
“That’s why we clarified our guidance to ensure applicants were aware that licences can only be issued for reasons of clear public health and safety issues, and where other alternatives are not effective.
“We know that gulls can sometimes cause issues in our towns and cities and that these changes have caused concern for some people.”
