Community groups in a coastal town are urging residents to help them tackle gulls.
Over the last two years, a nest removal scheme has proved highly effective in keeping Stonehaven town centre free of swooping gulls.
However, this summer’s project may not go ahead in May and June due to a lack of funding.
With the work costing £6,450, and Aberdeenshire Council contributing £1,500, volunteers are struggling to make up the shortfall of almost £5,000.
Letters have been sent to properties in the town centre asking for support and outlining plans for removing eggs from rooftop nests.
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Last year the project removed 328 eggs.
It is a joint initiative by the Stonehaven Town Centre Improvement Group, Stonehaven Town Partnership, Stonehaven and District Community Council, Stonehaven Business Association and Tourism Group, civic pride group Horizon, and the council.
A contractor is hired to carry out the work and makes three visits during mating season in May and June.
Streets leading from the Square with food outlets – where gulls frequently swoop down on people in search of scraps – are targeted.
Stonehaven Town Partnership (STP) chairman Jim Stephen called for residents and businesses to back the initiative.
He said: “There has been an improvement because we have been doing something about it.
“The minute we stop, it’s back to square one.
“It’s about civic pride and managing the problem and we would really like people to get behind this.”
