Could sonar be the solution to Inverness city centre’s gull problem?
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Inverness city centre has been grappling with the nuisance of the gull for many years.
However, evidence of a potential solution may have emerged in Elgin, where sonar devices have been used to tackle the issue.
The Moray town’s experiment with eight anti-gull sonar devices, costing £15,000, has seen a new approach to curbing the breeding of the birds. Installed on buildings around the town for a 12-week period over spring and early summer, the devices aimed to deter the gulls and prevent them from multiplying.
Preliminary feedback indicates the devices have been successful, with one machine operating on top of the St Giles Centre in the High Street reporting a reduction in nests from over 100 to just six.
Councillors now await a full report on the project’s effectiveness.
In Inverness, a different approach has been employed since 2012. Inverness BID received a grant of £12,839 from Highland Council for the latest investment in its gull project, which focuses on egg removal and destruction.
The initiative, which involves regular visits to premises during the gull mating season, was recently concluded for 2023.
This year, a non-lethal AVIX laser bird repellent was also introduced, along with a trial of a new ‘reflect-a-bird’ device – both aiming to mitigate the growth of the gull population.
However, the question of whether sonar devices could be a viable solution in Inverness is a subject of debate.
Councillor David Gregg (Inverness Millburn) said: “The impression going through Inverness is that there are still a lot of gulls about, but I personally get very few complaints about them. I look forward to seeing a proper report about how this year’s scheme is working.
“I’d be very interested in any non-lethal alternative to the current approach. I would like BID to look into the evidence before next year’s funding cycle to see if they’re viable.”
A NatureScot spokesperson said: “All breeding birds are protected by law, and many people are surprised to hear that most breeding gull populations are declining, so a specific licence for lethal control of gulls must be applied for. Before we issue a licence, however, we look at what alternatives are available.
“There are a range of mitigation measures, such as the sonic scaring recently used in Elgin, which can be a useful tool in a package of gull management methods.
“Developing plans to discourage gull nesting in urban areas is one of the areas we are keen to explore where there are significant issues.”
But Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister notes that the funding required for sonar scaring in the city could be a stumbling block.
She said: “The Elgin sonar is interesting, but there is only so much that the BID can do due to not having enough funding.
“Business bins also need to be emptied more frequently as the seagulls are managing to get food out too easily. The council do not empty the bins – that is down to the business owners.
“More posters need to be put up in the city centre reminding people to please use the bins.”
Janice Worthing, co-ordinator of the Inverness BID project, has raised concerns about the feasibility of sonar in the city.
She said: “Sonar devices may not be suitable for Inverness city centre due to both the prohibitive cost per device but also due to overall effectiveness.
“It is our understanding that if there is not a flat unencumbered roof (which diminishes range) that gulls can still nest in the vicinity but often in harder to reach and more obscure places.
“It seems there is not one definitive measure to be applied, so for this reason our consultant expert recommends taking a targeted and multi-approach in terms of wider management actions.
“We will continue to look at all options available.”
