Overview

• A cross-party Holyrood debate on June 26 spotlighted seagulls injuring seven children in Eyemouth and causing residents to live in fear of dive-bomb attacks.
• Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie urged people to stop feeding gulls and confirmed plans for a regional summit in northern Scotland to coordinate management efforts.
• Scottish Conservatives led by Douglas Ross and Rachael Hamilton are pushing to expand the gathering into a nationwide forum to ensure consistent safety measures.
• NatureScot reports licence applications for lethal control fell from 2,633 in 2023 to 1,601 in 2024, reflecting a shift toward non-lethal deterrents and preventative strategies.
• Officials warn that abundant food waste and public feeding have driven gulls into urban areas, intensifying the challenge of balancing legal protection with community safety.