Local man backs anti-scorries campaign

If you see-gulls don't feed them!

A CAITHNESS man is backing Highland Council’s campaign to raise public awareness of the seagull problem in urban areas.
Provost Jimmy Gray has welcomed the addition of stickers on city centre rubbish bins that urge people not to feed seagulls.
He said: “Although the local authority has no statutory duty to take action against gulls, the council continues to receive complaints from homeowners and the public about the misery that gulls cause during the nesting season in the city.”
Provost Gray added: “Gulls will continue to live here if there is a ready-made supply of food for them which is provided by us humans. We must make sure that we don’t feed gulls either deliberately or inadvertently and put all food scraps and waste into public or commercial bins either at home or in public spaces.”
In addition to placing seagull stickers on city centre and riverside rubbish bins, Highland Council has produced a guidance leaflet on seagull control which is available on the Council’s website at: www.highland.gov.uk/seagullcontrol and from Council Service Points, Libraries and TEC Services offices.
The leaflet provides information, advice and education on gulls and the law; problems caused by and the controlling of gulls; deterrent measures. The leaflet also explains that only licensed contractors with specialist skill and experience are legally allowed to kill certain species of gulls and what homeowners and businesses can do to prevent gulls nesting on their properties.