Islanders advised on gull nuisance

With the springtime nesting season rapidly approaching, Shetland Islands Council is asking local people to get in touch as soon as possible if they think they have a problem with gulls nesting on their property as the birds can become aggressive once their chicks have hatched.

The council’s environmental health team can provide advice on how to “nest proof” rooftops to prevent the seabirds from making nests and laying their eggs there.

Local residents can also contact environmental health if there is a nest with eggs on their property, and staff can remove the nest and eggs before they hatch.

There is a charge for this service of £87.55, which includes up to three visits to remedy the problem.

Patti Dinsdale, environmental health team leader, said: “If you experience nesting birds onyour roof then we can remove the nests and eggs as soon as possible.

“Once eggs have hatched and chicks are in the nest, we are not going to take any further action.

“Parent gulls can be quite aggressive once they have chicks in the nest, so we’d ask anyone who has had a previous problem with nesting gulls to contact us sooner rather than later, so thatwe can take steps to prevent the nest being made in the first place.”

Anyone in Shetland whowould like help and advice on nesting gulls should phone environmental health on 01595 745250.