Scotland's residents urged to carry umbrellas and hats as seagulls attack during breeding season

As the seagull breeding season approaches in Scotland, residents have been urged to take steps to protect their safety. The aggressive birds have repeatedly attacked passersby who come into their field of vision.

NatureScot, Scotland's conservation service, recommends the use of umbrellas, hats and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against diving gulls. This is reported by the Daily Record.

The request to provide themselves with personal protective equipment is due to a "significant and serious decline" in the number of gulls in Scotland. The authorities do not want to harm the birds, which has led to an attempt to strengthen their protection.

Licenses to destroy nests or eggs will now only be issued in extreme cases where there is an "exceptional" risk to public health or safety.

Instead, employers and property owners are encouraged to take steps to limit the risk of seagull attacks. For example, by organizing alternative access routes to places where the birds nest.

NatureScot says killing adult gulls or chicks will only be considered as a "last resort" when other options have been exhausted.

Liz McLachlan, licensing manager at NatureScot, said: "Our role is to balance the conservation and protection of species with public interests, such as protecting people from health and safety risks."

The decline in gull numbers in Scotland is a major concern, so NatureScot is working with local councils and licensees to prepare them for the 2024 gull breeding season.