FOI Request - Seagulls
Request 101003917351
How much has the local authority spent on
1. Preventative spend regarding seagulls in each financial year for the last five years, to date.
2. Egg/nest removal or active deterrent (falconry/decoys) in each financial year for the last five years, to date.
3. Any details of forthcoming initiatives the local authority has embarked on to protect town centres from pests.
Response 13-02-2026
1. Laser disturbance and sonic scarer device costs included in figures in 2, which could also be classed as deterrents;-
| Year | Number of Locations (Gull Proof Bins) | Total Cost per Year |
| 2020/21 | 0 | £0 |
| 2021/22 | 0 | £0 |
| 2022/23 | 4 | £15,138.00 |
| 2023/24 | 7 | £18,036.00 |
| 2024/25 | 8 | £10,750.00 |
2. Housing & Corporate Buildings (only)
| Year | Annual Spend |
| 2020/21 | £36,304.00 |
| 2021/22 | £46,318.00 |
| 2022/23 | £88,821.00 |
| 2023/24 | £96,219.00 |
| 2024/25 | £105,473.00 |
3. Our 2026 Gull Programme will commence in early March 2025. Sonic scaring devices will be fitted in various locations throughout Moray (21 locations) , which will be accompanied by Laser disturbance during the nesting/breeding season. We are also considering taking over control of 4 sonic devices in Elgin Town Centre, formerly purchased by Elgin Bid.