Scottish government accused of prioritising divebombing seagulls over people

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"The Scottish government's nature agency has been accused of prioritising the welfare of seagulls over people, after figures revealed an increase in the number of blocked applications to remove the nuisance birds. Data shows that NatureScot had approved more than 80 per cent of applications to remove gulls and nests as recently as 2022. However, The Times reports that the figure had dropped to less than a third by last year."

The Independent funds on-the-ground reporting across reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech and maintains free access without paywalls funded by donations. NatureScot approved over 80% of gull removal applications in 2022, but approvals dropped to less than a third by last year. The reduction in approvals prompted calls to strip the agency of its ability to rule on applications. A summit organised to tackle urban seagulls in Inverness was branded a sham, with attendees urged to wave arms and draw eyes on takeaway boxes to deter divebombing. Locals reported divebombing and loud gull noise in urban areas, prompting ministerial attention.

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