Kirkcaldy shoppers under attack from High Street seagulls

It is feared that some businesses with outdoor seating will be affected by the increase in attacks.

Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance says he has had a number of complaints from residents who have come under attack from the seabirds as the shops reopen.

He is calling for Fife Council to take action, and reminded the public not to feed the birds or leave rubbish lying around.

He said: “Over recent weeks, I have been made aware of a number of incidents. These are always distressing, but particularly so when they involve young children; I understand just how frightening it can be for an adult so can only imagine the alarm it must cause a child.

“There would appear to be much variation across Scotland and between councils with regard to how they tackle the issue of aggressive seagulls. I have contacted Fife Council’s Environmental department urging them to consider a range of methods, such as removal of eggs, nests and chicks, which has been successful across other areas.

“This problem has been steadily increasing in Kirkcaldy for several years now, particularly in our town centre, these birds simply cannot be allowed to go on attacking individuals and families.

“Whilst it is important that we continue with public education campaigns to discourage people from feeding the birds and reminding households and businesses to dispose of food waste responsibly, I strongly believe that serious consideration must now be given to adopting new strategies to effectively deal with this problem.”

He said that the attacks could cause problems in relation to the heavy reliance of outdoor seating areas for many businesses.

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an increasing amount of businesses are relying on the use of outdoor areas to enable them to reopen and start trading again, but may people are understandably hesitant about sitting outside to enjoy a meal or drink with the current level of threat from these birds.

“As a community, we are continually looking at ways in which to increase footfall and encourage new visitors to our town and High Street, unless a resolution to the seagull problem is found it will have a hugely damaging long term effect on the local economy.”