Scotland’s national nature agency has come under fire after advising the public to scare off aggressive urban seagulls by drawing eyes on takeaway boxes, waving their arms in the air, and staring at the birds.
The proposals from NatureScot were discussed at a “Seagull Summit” held at its Inverness headquarters and have been branded “ludicrous” by ministers and opposition politicians alike.
Douglas Ross, the former Scottish Conservative leader, mocked the advice during a lively exchange in Holyrood, performing a flapping-arm demonstration to laughter in the chamber.
"Let me just account to the chamber some of these practical solutions made at this summit,” he said.
“It would be funny if it wasn’t so serious. It is utter nonsense and it is this chaotic and comical approach … that is actually detracting from this important issue.”
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie accused opponents of trivialising a serious urban challenge.
“From Eyemouth to Inverness, Dumfries to Aberdeen, we have heard from residents, businesses and local authorities about the disruption caused by gulls, particularly during the nesting season,” he said.
“These concerns are real and I want to assure the chamber they are being taken seriously and this government will take targeted action where necessary.”