Inverness City Centre BID urges not to feed seagulls as part of Gull Campaign as breeding season gets underway
An Inverness business association has renewed its plea not to feed seagulls to members of the public amidst growing concerns growing population in the city centre.
In their latest newsletter, Inverness City Centre BID has asked again not to feed the birds and to ensure bin lids are closed and waste disposed responsibly as the breeding season is now under way.
This is part of their Gull Campaign, which follows increasing concerns about seagull numbers after new guidance on egg removal was introduced last summer by NatureScot in a bit to help protect the species from recorded decline across the country.
They wrote: “Gull breeding season is now underway, with the first eggs spotted in the city centre last week.
“During breeding and fledgling time gulls can become highly protective of their young, leading to impact on humans and businesses including reports of aggressive behaviour.
“To help reduce harm, please do NOT feed the gulls and ensure that your bin lids are closed, and waste or litter is disposed of responsibly.
“Feeding or having easy food sources can encourage gulls to become more territorial, disrupts their natural diet and behaviours, increases gull mess and encourages repeat urban nesting year on year which is not ideal.
“By working together, we can help keep our city centre safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Anyone experiencing or witnessing any gull incidents is also encouraged to report it on the Inverness BID portal.
Referring to the latest Seabirds Count census, published in November 2023, and the latest Scottish Biodiversity Indicator for Seabirds, NatureScot said all five species of gull that breed in Scotland continue to decline, with numbers down by between 44 per cent and 75 per cent depending on species.They added that new regulation aims to strike a balance between the “conservation and protection of species” with public interests such as “safeguarding people from health and safety risks”.
