Councillor Michael Gregson says ‘we are at the mercy of NatureScot’ over gull management amid doubts about this year’s programme to control numbers
One of the councillors who voted against a recommendation for the enhanced gull management programme that will be decided later today has defended his approach saying it is in tune with NatureScot which holds all the power in this situation.
On Friday, we reported how the main element of Inverness city centre’s gull management programme - namely egg and nest removal - is at risk of not running at full strength for a second year in a row.
Four city councillors, including Cllr Michael Gregson, did not support egg and nest removal measures that have previously been used to limit numbers of the birds while three others did.
The matter is due to be considered and voted on at the Inverness city committee today.
In advance of the vote, Cllr Gregson said he considers “the gull problem a serious one” as they “have been a menace” and while it is “essential that an effective action plan is put in place” the council is “at the mercy of NatureScot”.
He said: “That agency’s new approach is specifically designed to reduce licence applications for egg/ nest removal, by deeming ‘divebombing’ incidents, and most gull behaviours as merely ‘nuisance’ under the terms of the 1981 Town and Countryside Act.
“In this context, ‘preventative, non-lethal measures’ designed to move our opportunist city centre bird populations elsewhere, are requested, and we have been given the clear statement by NatureScot that ‘licences can only be issued for reasons of clear public health and safety issues, and where other alternatives are not effective’.”
Whether that will wash with city centre residents and businesses is another matter with a number of locals who have written to members of the Inverness city committee who will today decide on the matter.
Cllr Gregson felt that “in not supporting the first three items (those associated with egg/ nest removal) in the proposed Inverness BID scheme, I am prioritising these measures.
“As NatureScot guidance recommends: Hawking – use of a falcon bird of prey; Lasering Bird Disturbance Programme, alongside a Human Disturbance Programme; a ‘Do NOT Feed the Gulls’ Campaign via media channels; Premises Guidance regarding activity required post-season; Rotation of Bird Spiders and Reflect a Bird devices; Census and Mapping via drone and survey; Strategic collaborative work building and developing the Plan-based approach; Maintenance of the ‘Gull Incidents in Inverness City Centre’ Reporting Portal for businesses and the public to capture evidence of impact;
He concluded: “This revised plan accedes to the NatureScot advice, and substantially supports the BID proposal. It also saves the Common Good Fund £12,025 in the year April 2025-March 2026. I am hopeful that we will see an improvement in the situation which has been a major disturbance and negative impact in our City Centre and beyond.”
