Scottish Tories Call Scotland-Wide Summit Over Aggressive Seagulls After Multiple Attacks

Scottish politicians have raised serious concerns about the escalating problem of aggressive seagulls, warning that the birds pose a growing health and safety risk, particularly to children and the elderly. Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross and MSP Rachael Hamilton have called for a nationwide summit to address the issue, citing incidents including dive-bombing attacks that have left victims injured and traumatized. Despite a planned summit in northern Scotland by Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie, there are calls to expand this to a Scotland-wide forum due to widespread complaints and ineffective current measures, such as NatureScot’s licensing system, which critics describe as bureaucratic and insufficient. While some urge caution against demonizing the animals, the consensus among many politicians is that urgent action is needed to prevent potential fatalities. The problem has affected businesses, tourists, and local residents, with reports of multiple attacks in areas like Eyemouth and Moray. The Scottish Government has been criticized for inaction despite the severity of the issue, prompting cross-party demands for a coordinated response.