Scotland gull attacks: By-law proposed to ban feeding of gulls in Scottish Borders after spate of attacks
As more and more gulls migrate to urban areas, measures are being considered to cut down on the number of attacks.
A by-law to ban the feeding of gulls could come into effect in the Scottish Borders.
A campaign has been launched to introduce the legislation after a number of gull attacks in Eyemouth and other villages on the Borders’ coast.
Changes to coastal habitats and a reduction in natural food sources have seen gulls moving into built-up areas in recent years. Safer nesting and discarded human food are also contributing to the spate of gull attacks in the Borders.
The rise in gull attacks comes despite official counts suggesting herring gull numbers have decline by more than 40 per cent over the past 20 years.
Seven children were attacked in separate incidents outside the same Eyemouth food outlet in one month back in summer 2024. Similar issues have been reported in tourist towns like Coldingham and St Abbs.
Councillor James Anderson, who represents Berwickshire at Scottish Borders Council, said: “Residents and businesses along the coast know how serious the gull problem has become, and NatureScot has been clear that the most effective action we can take is to remove food at source.
“But, at present, the council has no enforcement powers to stop deliberate feeding.
“A targeted by-law would give the council the tools it needed to address a longstanding problem, and help move gulls back to their natural cliff habitats.”
He added: “This is a proportionate, lawful, and evidence-based step and the public will have full opportunity to comment through a formal consultation.”
Similar by-laws have been introduced in England in parts of East Devon, North Yorkshire and Suffolk.
Although no such law currently exists in Scotland, there are local campaigns to stop people feeding birds, such as the campaign by St Andrews Community Council in Fife. NatureScot is also due to launch a public awareness campaign to discourage the feeding of birds.
A spokesperson for NatureScot said: “We welcome the wide-ranging suggestions to help improve waste management - with food and fishery waste likely attracting foraging and breeding gulls to the area.
“Feeding gulls is a significant issue in Eyemouth and anything that can be done to tackle that is helpful.
“By-laws are one of the range of tools the local council could consider.”
A bid to introduce a similar by-law in Dumfries was rejected by neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway Council 15 years ago over concerns it would be difficult to enforce. If this by-law is introduced in the Borders, it would be the first of its kind in Scotland.
In the past Scottish Borders Council has oiled eggs as a pest control measure on nesting gulls in Eyemouth, but this practice ended before the coronavirus pandemic. Reintroducing this was considered last year, but was later dismissed by the local authority.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We welcome the input of NatureScot and the local community on this issue.
“Any proposal to introduce a by-law would require significant consideration and consultation, including with relevant partners and the community.”
Last year a summit was held where Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie suggested relaxing licensing to shoot gulls causing a “risk to public health and safety” in urban areas.
The response was criticised as “chaotic and comical” as it also suggested people draw “googly eyes on takeaway boxes” and wave their arms about to deter the birds.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.