FOI Request - Gull Control

Request 101003844150

I am submitting a freedom of information request regarding your gull control across your council area for the last 2 years (2023-2024). I define gull control as the following:

Removal of nests
Removal of eggs
Culling/removal of chicks
Culling/removal of adult birds

Also please state the above actions for each gull species you carry out control for, the gull species required are as below:

Herring Gulls
Lesser Black Backed Gulls
Greater Black Backed Gulls
Common Gulls
Black Headed Gulls

Using the licences you obtain from NatureScot you should be able to determine the number for each of the above listed actions for each species. Each licence has to be completed with a returns ('returns' is a detailed list sent back to the licensing issuing authority of all actions carried out under licence by the council) of the breakdown for all licensed actions taken for each species.

Please accept the following questions regarding this subject.

1.  Does the local authority carry out gull control (if no please only answer questions 1 & 2)?

2.  How many complaints does the local authority receive regarding gulls each year?

3.  How many licences does the local authority apply for each year?

4.  Does the local authority deploy non lethal deterrents to deter gulls from nesting?

If the local authority carries out gull control please answer the following for each species, again all this information should be submitted in licence returns that the local authority submits and therefore should be easily accessible:

5.  For each above listed gull species how many nests have you removed over the last 2 years? Please state the total for each year.

6.  For each above listed gull species how many eggs have you removed over the last 2 years? Please state the total for each year.

7.  For each above listed gull species how many chicks have you culled/removed over the last 2 years? Please state the total for each year.

8.  For each above listed gull species how many adult birds have you removed over the last 2 years? Please state the total for each year.

Response 17-09-2025

1. Yes

2. 2023 – 78, 2024 – 108 

3. 2023 –51   2024 – 53 (All Herring Gulls)

4. Yes, sonic scarers are deployed to a number of Council buildings and council owned housing areas (18 - 20 devices) during nesting season ( from April to June) . This is supported by laser deterrent and hawking in late March/early April.

5. 2023 – 75, 2024- 106 (all herring gulls)

6. 2023- 92 ,2024 – 150 (ditto.)

7. 2023 – Nil, 2024 - Nil

8. 2023 – 19 (all dead), 2024 – 24 (all dead herring gulls)