Inverness BID, Highland Council and Nature Scot seek ‘long-term approach to gull management in Inverness’ by forming new body after dispute nearly scuppered this year’s plans
NatureScot says it is working on a “long-term approach to gull management in Inverness” with Highland Council and Inverness BID following a contentious city committee debate this week.
The Inverness committee met amid ongoing concerns about the gull population in the city centre and the failure to grant licenses for egg and nest removal last year after NatureScot changed its guidance.
Behind that stood a meeting where some councillors appeared reluctant to grant funding for a programme that included egg and nest removal – before reversing that position completely.
The item was split over a lunch break and when members returned the position had changed completely after it is understood that Inverness BID said it would run the programme if it was not accepted in its entirety.
That would have left Highland Council officials holding the baby so far as gulls are concerned and in the end just two Greens councillors wanted to maintain the refusal while SNP councillors accepted a detailed Labour amendment.
That was Councillor Michael Gregson who earlier said that he considers “the gull problem a serious one” while it is “essential that an effective action plan is put in place” because the council is “at the mercy of NatureScot”.
Now NatureScot have responded to the situation with a spokesperson saying: “NatureScot is working collaboratively with Highland Council and Inverness BID on a comprehensive, long-term approach to gull management in Inverness.
“We're pleased that all three organisations agree this is the most effective way forward, balancing the needs of residents and visitors while protecting these declining species.
“Our focus remains on advising on preventative measures, deterrents and guidance for local authority staff, business owners and the public, with licenced control measures being used as a last resort when there is a risk to public health and safety.
“Our licensing team will continue to be proactive in supporting local councils and licence holders dealing with gull issues and responding swiftly where there are health and safety concerns. In 2024, on average licences were issued within 12.5 days after application”.
That was not precisely the experience of Inverness BID last year who felt that the late change in NatureScot’s guidance meant they were only able to remove 175 eggs compared to 1950 the year before that.
The spokesperson also confirmed that there were talks with officials during that lunchbreak about the gull management programme.
“NatureScot provided advice regarding the proposed interventions for 2025,” said the spokesperson. “This relates specifically to an interim approach for the coming year, while we work towards implementing a more comprehensive, resourced collaborative plan. Our aim is to move away from short-term, piecemeal interventions towards a more strategic approach”.
And to that end there will be a new “city of Inverness gull management group” that will bring together “NatureScot, The Highland Council and Inverness BID. This group will develop and implement an adaptive gull management plan that addresses community concerns without affecting the conservation status of these species”.
