Listen
Summit on seagulls
12/03/2008
A summit on the menace of seagulls in our towns and cities is to be jointly hosted by the Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The summit, which will swoop into Dumfries and Galloway later this spring, will identify the best ways of dealing with problem gulls.
Environment Minister Michael Russell said:
"For too long now large colonies of seagulls have become increasingly problematic in our towns and cities. This can be because of droppings, birds removing litter from bins, noise and even protective parents acting aggressively towards people during the breeding season.
"This is why I have agreed to hold a summit to look at addressing the problems caused by seagulls. This will be done in conjunction with Dumfries and Galloway council - who have been inundated with local complaints about the problem - but will work to find solutions that will benefit communities across the country."
The Provost of Dumfries, Councillor Jack Groom, said:
"I am delighted that Michael Russell has asked me to be involved in this initiative. Gulls are a perennial problem in Scottish towns and cities and we have a particular problem in Dumfries. Some years ago the councils affected by large gull populations met with researchers to give their evidence and experience. They then produced a report containing useful guidance.
"However, it is some time since we last got together to review the guidance and discuss the effects of various schemes. The council is pleased that the Scottish Government is looking at the idea of holding a meeting in Dumfries and Galloway and would be happy to discuss this with them in more detail. It would be interesting to get everyone around the table to share good practice on dealing with this tricky issue."