Gull management advice given
Efforts to manage urban gulls in Moray are being stepped up as the busy nesting season begins.
A combination of deterrents, targeted interventions and public awareness measures are planned across Moray for the months ahead.
In Elgin, funding from the Elgin Common Good Fund will again support the installation of 17 sonic bird scarer devices across the town - an increase from the 13 used in 2025.
Four of the devices will be located in Elgin town centre, while additional units are being placed at council buildings and schools across Moray.
The devices, which emit sounds designed to discourage gulls from settling and breeding, will be in operation for around 10 to 12 weeks from the end of this month. Laser deterrents will also be used at selected council housing areas in Elgin, Forres, Lossiemouth and Buckie as part of a wider prevention programme.
NatureScot has also granted £10,000 to Moray Council to support efforts to manage gulls in urban areas across the region. This funding will contribute to the development of an updated, evidence-based gull management plan, building on existing approaches and strengthening the Council’s ongoing work in this area.
Where necessary, nest and egg management will also be carried out at council-owned properties, following national guidance, as a last resort when gull activity poses a risk to public health and safety.
The local measures tie in with a national awareness campaign led by NatureScot, encouraging residents and businesses to take simple steps such as avoiding feeding gulls, securing waste and gull-proofing buildings, to help make towns and villages less appealing to them.
Edward Thomas, Head of Housing, Properties and Communities at Moray Council, said: “People in Moray are well aware of how disruptive gulls can be, from the noise early in the morning, to territorial behaviour displayed when nesting. Deterrents can make a difference, and I would also encourage people to take preventative measures such as those outlined as part of the NatureScot campaign. Moray Council is doing all we can within the boundaries of our remit to alleviate the issue, but we can all play our part.”