Scotland’s growing seagull problem has soared beyond nuisance — and into public safety territory. Calls are mounting for a nationwide summit, with some politicians warning that without urgent action, “someone could be killed.”
‘Aggressive, Traumatic, Dangerous’: The Eyemouth Example
You can laugh — until it’s your kid being divebombed on the way to school.
That’s the warning from Rachael Hamilton, Conservative MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, who told the Scottish Parliament on Thursday that seven children were attacked by gulls in Eyemouth — in just one month last year.
One girl suffered gashes to her scalp so deep she was left bleeding down her face.
“They’re scared. Traumatised. Some are too frightened to go outside,” Hamilton said. “This isn’t funny. It’s dangerous. And it’s happening more often.”
Parliament Takes Flight
The issue hit Holyrood on Thursday, with a lively debate that went from absurd to alarming.
Former Tory leader Douglas Ross said the gull problem is “not just about noise or stolen chips” anymore — but a public safety crisis that could result in loss of life.
“If we don’t act,” Ross warned, “someone could be seriously injured or worse.”
The government had previously promised a regional summit in the north of Scotland, but Hamilton now wants the event expanded — nationwide — to reflect the scope of the problem.
“We need coordination, not half-measures,” she said.
So, What’s Going On With the Gulls?
Why the sudden chaos from Scotland’s skies?
According to wildlife experts and local councils, several factors are colliding:
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Urbanisation has pushed gulls out of traditional cliffside nests
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Overfilled bins and easy food sources make towns attractive
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Climate changes have altered migration and breeding patterns
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Legal protections on gulls restrict removal and egg destruction
And seagulls, especially herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls, are smart, territorial, and fiercely protective during nesting season.
Add in summer holidays, schoolkids with snacks, and lax bin rules — it’s a recipe for rooftop warfare.
Where the Attacks Are Happening
The gull menace isn’t limited to Eyemouth. Reports have come in from:
| Location | Incidents Reported | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eyemouth | 7 in one month | Children attacked, bleeding cases |
| Dumfries | Multiple | Seniors harassed in car parks |
| Inverness | Ongoing | Gulls nesting on schools |
| Glasgow West End | Recurring | Divebombing near bins, cafés |
| Dundee | Seasonal spikes | Attacks around rooftop nests |
It’s everywhere. And most of it is happening during breeding season, which peaks between May and August.
What Could a Seagull Summit Actually Do?
A summit sounds dramatic, but it’s not all noise.
Hamilton says the event should bring together local councils, wildlife experts, public health officials, and the public to coordinate a plan.
She suggested:
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Reviewing the legal protections around gulls
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Allowing more flexible egg removal and nest relocation
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Improving waste management in urban areas
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Launching education campaigns for residents and tourists
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Exploring non-lethal deterrents like falconry, sonic devices, or nets
But not everyone agrees on the solution. Environmental groups warn against hasty crackdowns on gulls, which remain protected species under UK law.
One ecologist said: “Yes, gulls can be aggressive. But this is a symptom of environmental imbalance. If we manage waste and food access, attacks will reduce.”
Public Reaction? Mixed, but Tense
On social media, reactions have been split.
Some residents joke about the “chip-snatching mafia of the sky,” but others say they’re genuinely frightened.
A post from a Glasgow resident last week read:
“Got swooped on twice just getting out my car. Not even food in my hand. My wee boy’s terrified now. Can’t be normal.”
And in Eyemouth, one mother told local radio: “It’s not just a nip. These birds go for the head. They’re huge. My daughter won’t leave the house without a cap on.”
Still, some say a summit is overkill. “We’ve lived with seagulls forever,” one Fife resident tweeted. “Maybe teach your kids not to wave sausage rolls about?”
Where the Government Stands
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie has acknowledged the scale of the problem. He previously backed a north of Scotland summit, but hasn’t committed to making it national.
Following Thursday’s debate, his office said discussions were underway to determine the scope and format of any broader summit.
A spokesperson added: “We take public safety seriously, but any measures must also comply with conservation law and be proportionate.”
