Drones drafted in to help tackle urban gull issues

Drones are being drafted in to try to help tackle long-standing problems with urban gulls in south-west Scotland.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said they would be used to carry out a survey across the region to "better understand and manage" the birds.

It said that every summer it received increased reports of issues as adult birds protected their chicks during the breeding season.

The drones will focus on rooftops and nesting areas, and the findings will help to decide on any future management and conservation work.

Many towns across the region have issues with gulls diving at people, stealing food and covering cars with their droppings.

Dumfries, in particular, has had problems despite not being in a coastal location.

The council's environmental health team will carry out the drone survey which it stressed was "not being used to monitor individuals or private property".

Meanwhile, it issued advice to anyone encountering an aggressive gull, including:

• Move calmly away from the area as quickly as possible.
• Avoid approaching chicks or nesting sites
• If a gull swoops, raise a bag, umbrella or other item above your head
• Do not feed gulls and keep food covered outdoors
• Dispose of litter in gull-proof bins if possible

"Thank you for helping us better understand our local gull population while respecting wildlife during this important time of year," the council added.

The relationship between gulls and drones has not always been a smooth one in the region.

In the summer of 2020 a black-headed gull brought down a drone over Stranraer Academy.

An Air Accidents Investigation Branch report said the pilot had never experienced the "level of aggression" shown by the bird.

It attacked the 6kg (13lb) drone, causing it to crash on the school roof and suffer substantial damage.

The report said the pilot had previously used the drone in locations where gulls were present and had been "cautious" while operating, especially during the nesting season.