Sonic devices installed in Elgin to deter seagulls from nesting

£15,000 is being spent on devices which will discourage gulls from nesting in certain areas of Elgin.

Moray Councillors agreed to use money from the Elgin Common Good Fund on eight devices which deter the birds from nesting and breeding.

The devices were trialled by Elgin BID last year where the number of nests on the St Giles Centre dropped by more than 90%.

Elgin BID is also installing a further device in 2023 and investing in lasering.

The devices, which are sited across Elgin, don’t hurt the birds and will be in place for around 10-12 weeks.

Rob Teasdale, Managing Director of Specialist Vermin Control, the company providing the devices, is confident Moray Council are doing all they can to tackle the issue.

He said: "We’ll supplement the devices by flying two hawks in the areas in early mornings and weekends, outwith school hours, for free so we can fully target the problem areas.

"While no method is 100% effective or guaranteed, the results we saw last year suggest the council is using every tool possible at this stage to deal with the gull issue in Elgin."

Elgin City South Councillor, John Divers outlines how they'll be following guidance from Nature specialists.

He said: "We know the trial in the town centre cut the number of nests significantly, and while this is a good next step to breaking the nesting and breeding cycle, it can take time for the full impact to be seen.

"However, I’m pleased we’re hopefully making further progress before we have to consider potential further action, all of which needs to be within the parameters of guidance from NatureScot.”

Fellow Elgin City South Councillor Graham Leadbitter added: "Given the number of gull-related issues all Elgin Councillors receive from residents I’m confident this use of Common Good Funding will be appreciated by many in the area.

"I’d ask that everyone plays their part now and avoids feeding gulls to further discourage them from nesting and breeding in Elgin."

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