The major gull problem in Elgin has affected people in many ways – and David Keeler’s issue is particularly heart-breaking.
The 66-year-old’s problem is a common one in the town – he has gulls on his roof.
So far, so regular.
But his stepdaughter Rachel and granddaughter Holly are too scared to come and visit him because of the aggressive birds.
Over the years, locals have reported noise at all hours of the day, disgusting mess and menacing attacks that have led to injuries.
Since gulls have arrived on Mr Keeler’s West High Street home’s roof this year, he said that his family are staying away.
David said: “It was about three months ago the gulls started to nest.
“My six-year-old step granddaughter has autism and seen first-hand people with food being attacked by gulls in Blackpool which terrified her.
“When they found out gulls were here, they decide to stay away until the seagulls are gone.
“They live in Carnforth, Lancaster and it is a eight-hour trip for her.
“Normally they stay for a week but this hasn’t happened this year because of the gulls.
“November was the last time they visited.”
Frustration over Elgin seagull situation
Other problems include being woken up by the noise, birds “dancing” on the roof and mess everywhere.
He added: “There are bird droppings everywhere on cars and near my home.
“You can hear noises at 2.30am of gulls moving around and keeping me up at night.
My neighbour is 90 and he says this is the first time he has seen seagulls around this area.
David Keeler
“It is frustrating, the gulls have even frightened all the other birds.
“My neighbour is 90 and it is the first time he has seen seagulls around this area.
“They have moved from other areas to Bishopmill.”
What needs to be done?
Last month, work started on a gull management plan for Elgin.
A group met to sow the first seeds of a plan to manage the gulls.
NatureScot’s south Highland manager Chris Donald met Moray Council officers, Elgin Community Council and local councillors to find a solution.
Seagulls are ‘just flying rats’
Like many, he is growing tired of the problem and decided to approach Moray Council for help.
He said: “These seagulls are just vermin – flying rats.
“It is shocking that people actual think these gulls should be protected.
“If they were actual seagulls they would be fishing out at sea and not in land getting rubbish from the bins.
“I got in touch with the council asking about how we get rid of the gulls.
“They said it is up to me what I do.
“The problem needs to be sorted as soon as possible as it affects a lot of people.”
Conversation