Gashed children, tourists at risk: the town demanding action on ‘out of control’ gulls

Seven children in a Scottish coastal town have been left with “gashes to the scalps” after being attacked by herring gulls.
Scottish Borders council has been told of a spate of attacks in Eyemouth after the population of the birds in East Berwickshire grew “out of control”.
A motion to the council called last week for urgent action to tackle the gulls after residents and tourists in the town of Eyemouth faced increasing bombardment.
The motion asked that: “Scottish Borders council write to the Scottish government requesting an up-to-date study and report on herring gull numbers in local communities and the negative effects of overpopulation.”
James Anderson, an East Berwickshire councillor who tabled the motion, outlined some of the measures that could be taken to prevent attacks.
“Previous years have seen eggs oiled to stop the chicks from developing in the egg. The parent gull sits on the egg waiting for hatching that never comes and a year’s brood is stopped,” he said.
“Two or three consecutive years can reduce the oversized population to manageable numbers, which stops the cruel life cycle of starving birds and reduces the negative effects on the local population.”
Anderson told the council on Thursday that the population of herring gulls had “this year grown out of control” and highlighted it as an issue of community safety.
“The issue is not just about birds, it’s a reflection of our responsibilities as stewards of the environment and our obligation to act in the best interests of our community,” he said.
“Eyemouth has seen multiple gulls strike victims, one local business saw seven children attacked in one month and left with gashes to the scalp and blood running down their wee faces. That’s why I’ve brought this motion. I think it’s really important that all the parties involved in this issue come together.”
Two types of gull, the common gull, which nests around lakes in the north of England and Scotland, and the great black-backed gull, which nests around the coast, on clifftops, rooftops and islands, were this week added to the UK red list of birds at most need of conservation.
The herring gull, which is most commonly seen around seaside towns and cities, is classified in the UK as a bird of conservation concern.
Anderson questioned the designation of the species. “We also must question the national figures which portray the herring gull as endangered. It is important to note that these figures predominantly include coastal populations, entirely ignoring those living inland, in cities, on farms or in various other environments,” he said.
“This narrow focus leads to an inaccurate focus on the true population, which gives them the incorrect status as endangered. We don’t demonise the herring gull, they are part of life on the coast, trying to live and thrive like us all, but let us remember we are responsible not only for the protection of wildlife but also for the welfare and safety of our community.
“Overpopulation leads to starving and unhealthy birds, which leads them susceptible to disease and hardship and death. By enacting meaningful measures we can ensure that we strike the right balance between environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.”