Aberdeenshire Council has given advice to residents of a north-east town on how to deal with the problem of gulls.
People in Huntly have recently complained about noise, attacks and droppings from the birds on Steven Road, Depot Road and at the industrial estate.
Large colonies have been spotted on the roofs of businesses and smaller groups have been seen on temporary huts.
Officers have given advice on how to disrupt the gulls’ habits without harming them and will speak to schools in the town to ensure there are no easy sources of food.
For the last two years the local authority has been tacking the issue of gulls in Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Stonehaven.
Councillor Margo Stewart, who represents the Huntly ward, urged people to seek advice on the issue.
She said: “We urge local businesses to seek advice and act as soon as they can to make it more difficult for the gulls to get comfortable in future – it’s important to remember this is not their natural habitat and their diet in towns is generally not good for their health.
“This equally applies to anyone considering feeding the gulls in the town centre, not only is it adversely affecting the lives of members of the community, it generally is not good for the gulls and encourages them to make their home in an environment which is not natural or healthy for them.”
