Big turnout at Kirrie gull summit examines options for dealing with winged menace.

KIRRIEMUIR: Scale of problem described as the worst locals can remember

A Kirriemuir gull summit has drawn a large turnout to look at future options to solve the problems being created by the winged scavengers in the northern part of the town.

Around 50 people attended at Hillhead business park for the event, set up by businessman Graham Burke, whose Pentland Livestock buildings in the former Richard Lawson yard have become a haven for the birds.

The scale of this summer’s problems has been described as the worst locals can remember.

Customers from across Scotland have been bothered by protective parents during the recent nesting season and residents have complained about the noise, mess and aggressive behaviour of the gulls.

The size and nature of the Hillhead sheds present a costly hurdle to implementing control measures but Kirriemuir Conservative councillor Ronnie Proctor said he was encouraged by the responsible attitude being taken by the businesses.

“I went to the meeting by invitation as a local elected member and had also asked Councillor Tommy Stewart, the council’s vice-convener of communities, to come along,” said Mr Proctor.

“It was a very good meeting with a lot of people attending and it highlighted the problems which seem to be particularly bad in that part of Kirrie.

“I am very sympathetic towards the businesses and residents over this situation, and we were very impressed by some of the steps that have already been taken to try to deal with this.

“The advice I have given them is to speak to one of our senior officials, Stewart Ball, to work out the next move.

“The nesting season has passed, so it is too late to do anything this year, but I have said I will work with them towards getting a measured and sensible solution to this problem.”

Mr Proctor added: “There is nothing up there which is providing them with an easy source of food so they must be going elsewhere, possibly to bins at the Hill or to pick at litter.”

He said it was important people didn’t provide the gulls with easy pickings by dumping cartons at areas such as the busy beauty spot.

Mr Stewart has already said he considers the gull problem has reached such proportions in Montrose that it is time to consider a cull.

Angus Council operates an egg removal service, but only for residential properties and has stressed the law only allows for the birds to be killed “in extreme circumstances”, such as where there is a risk to human health.

“The nesting season has passed, so it is too late to do anything this year, but I have said I will work with them towards getting a measured and sensible solution to this problem. COUNCILLOR RONNIE PROCTOR