Children have been left with blood running down their faces after being attacked by “out of control” herring gulls in a Scots coastal town.
Councillors in the Scottish Borders heard how a business in Eyemouth had witnessed seven children being attacked in the space of a month with some left with gashes to their scalps.
Councillor James Anderson highlighted constituents’ plight with the birds and expressed his concerns for the safety of the community, during a full council meeting.
“Eyemouth has seen multiple gull-strike victims – one local business saw seven children attacked in one month and left with gashes to the scalp and blood running down their wee faces,” he said.
“That’s why I’ve brought this motion. I think it’s really important that all the parties involved in this issue come together.”
Cllr Anderson tabled a motion, which was approved for an up-to-date study, and report on their numbers and impact on the community, reports the Local Democracy Reporting service.
He said it was not just about the birds but also the council’s responsibilities as “stewards of the environment” and its obligation to act in the best interests of the community.
“We don’t demonise the herring gull, they are part of life on the coast, trying to live and thrive like us all,” he stressed.
“But let us remember we are responsible not only for the protection of wildlife but also for the welfare and safety of our community. Over-population leads to starving and unhealthy birds, which leaves them susceptible to disease and hardship and death.
“By enacting meaningful measures we can ensure that we strike the right balance between environmental stewardship and community well-being.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletterhere.