David KnoxBBC Scotland News
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A by-law could make it illegal to feed gulls in parts of the Borders
A campaign has been launched to introduce Scotland’s first council by-law banning the feeding of gulls.
A growing number of attacks on adults and children in Eyemouth, and neighbouring villages along the Borders coast, is behind the drive for tougher controls on bird numbers.
Following meetings with the country’s nature agency, NatureScot, community leaders are forging ahead with proposals for the legislation.
Berwickshire councillor James Anderson said: “This is a proportionate, lawful, and evidence-based step and the public will have full opportunity to comment through a formal consultation.”
Changes to coastal habitats and a reduction in natural sources of food have been blamed for more and more gulls moving into built-up areas.
Safer nesting and discarded human food are also considered to be factors in more birds settling in towns and villages.
Although official counts have found that herring gull numbers across Scotland have declined by more than 40% over the past two decades, the number of attacks has continued to rise.
During one month in the summer of 2024, seven children were attacked in separate incidents outside the same Eyemouth food outlet.
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East Berwickshire councillor James Anderson said the by-law would be a “proportionate” response to the problem
There have also been issues in nearby tourist destinations, like Coldingham and St Abbs.
Anderson added: “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 needs to address a long-standing problem, and help move gulls back to their natural cliff habitats.”
Scottish Borders Council erected signs around Eyemouth in an effort to discourage people from feeding seagulls
By-laws to criminalise the feeding of gulls have been introduced in parts of East Devon, North Yorkshire and Suffolk.
Although no legislation has yet been passed north of the border, communities are taking action.
For example, St Andrew’s Community Council in Fife manage an action plan to prevent food being available for the birds.
A nationwide People and Gulls forum is also being proposed to help in developing best practice.
Walter Baxter
Problems in Eyemouth have been increasing in recent years
Following a NatureScot summit in Inverness last year, a meeting with the agency and groups, including the RSPB, took place in Eyemouth earlier this month.
A bid to introduce a similar by-law in Dumfries was rejected by Dumfries and Galloway Council more than 15 years ago due to concerns over the cost and the difficulty of enforcement.
NatureScot is about to launch a public awareness campaign in a bid to discourage feeding gulls, and said it was supportive of local efforts to address the problem.
Seagull attacks in Eyemouth and surrounding villages have increased since pest control measures were halted around a decade ago
A spokesperson 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 a range of tools the local council could consider.”
Scottish Borders Council used the oiling of eggs as a pest-control measure on nesting gulls in Eyemouth, but the practice was stopped before the Covid pandemic.
Reintroducing the licensed scheme was considered – and later dismissed – by the local authority last year.
The council will now look at the proposals being brought forward for a by-law along with other measures suggested by NatureScot.
A spokesperson 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.”