Children hurt as herring gull attacks 'out of control'

Scottish Borders Council was told a number of children had been injured by birds

Seven children were attacked by herring gulls in the space of a month and left with gashes to their scalps, councillors have been told.

The local authority heard claims that the birds in the coastal town of Eyemouth were "out of control".

Councillor James Anderson - who represents the area - said children had been left with blood running down their faces in the incidents.

A motion will now seek an up-to-date study and report on their numbers and impact on the community.

Mr Anderson tabled his motion to a meeting of the full council on Thursday, the local democracy service reports.

He said it was not just about the birds but also the council's responsibilities as "stewards of the environment" and its obligation to act in the best interests of the community.

"Eyemouth has seen multiple gull-strike victims - one local business saw seven children attacked in one month and left with gashes to the scalp and blood running down their wee faces," he said.

"That’s why I’ve brought this motion.

"I think it’s really important that all the parties involved in this issue come together."

'True population'

He said it was important to get "proper information" to establish the "true population" in the area.

"We don’t demonise the herring gull, they are part of life on the coast, trying to live and thrive like us all," he stressed.

"But let us remember we are responsible not only for the protection of wildlife but also for the welfare and safety of our community.

"Over-population leads to starving and unhealthy birds, which leaves them susceptible to disease and hardship and death.

"By enacting meaningful measures we can ensure that we strike the right balance between environmental stewardship and community well-being."