Communities across Aberdeenshire have been urged to take joined-up action if they hope to make a stand against nuisance gulls.
Spring coincides with nesting season for gulls, which often results in the theft of sandwiches, early morning noise and a rise in bird mess on cars and pavements.
Peter Argyle, chairman of the council’s infrastructure services committee, said: “The council does not advocate the killing of gulls and their young and so we encourage deterrents, preventative measures and nest and egg removal.
“It really has to be stressed that the council has no responsibility to carry out work at private properties and businesses, but clearly we support community efforts in some of the worst affected areas where we can.
“There can only really be any effect on nuisance gulls where communities recognise a problem and work together on the solution.
“To have a long term impact there needs to be a consistent approach over time.”
A range of non-lethal measures are available and members of the public can contact local businesses for help and advice on the most cost-effective solutions.
Further information on dealing with nuisance gulls is available at bit.ly/GullsGuide.
