Elgin councillors agree to increase spending on gull deterrents with sonic devices, lasers and hawks among agreed measures
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SONIC devices, lasers and hawks are among measures which will be utilised to deter gulls in Elgin this year.
Ten sonic devices have been installed around the town ahead of gull breeding season.
The devices create sound vibrations which the birds can feel, encouraging them to go elsewhere.
Eight devices were used last year after a pilot in 2022 which the council says led to a “significant” reduction in nesting in Elgin.
A further two devices will be installed this year after Elgin councillors agreed to increase spending to £27,000 from the Elgin Common Good Fund.
The vibrations from the devices do not hurt the birds. They will be in place for up to 12 weeks.
Rob Teasdale, Managing Director of Specialist Vermin Control, said: “We’re providing one of the ten devices at no charge and will supplement them by flying two hawks in the areas in early mornings and weekends, outwith school hours so we can fully target the problem areas.
“We’ve tweaked the zones and number of deterrents this year and, while no method is 100 per cent effective or guaranteed, the results we saw last year suggest these tools the council are deploying are having a positive impact on the gull issue in Elgin.”
Lasering will also be carried out on several council housing areas in Elgin, Forres, Lossiemouth and Buckie as part of the council’s wider gull prevention measures throughout Moray.
Councillor John Divers (Labour, Elgin South), said: “We learned from the results of last year’s device installation, use of the hawk and lasers that the number of nests dropped significantly.
“This has started the process of breaking the nesting and breeding cycle, although it can take time for the full impact to be seen.
“I’m pleased we’re making further progress, all of which is within the parameters of guidance from NatureScot.
“This can only be a positive step towards seeing a further breaking of the nesting and breeding cycle.”
Councillor Graham Leadbitter (SNP, Elgin South), added: “Although Moray Council has no statutory duty to act against gulls, given the number of gull-related issues all Elgin councillors receive I’m pleased we’ve been able to agree the use of Common Good Funding for this again.
“I’d encourage everyone to play their part now by taking preventative measures, such as clearing moss from roofs and avoiding feeding gulls to further discourage them from nesting in Elgin.”
