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Scottish Seabird Centre advocates for endangered seabird species ahead of Scottish Government’s gull summit
Next week, Minister for Agriculture, Jim Fairlie MSP, will host a summit to discuss the issues caused by urban gull popuations in some areas of Scotland. The summit will bring together representatives from NatureScot, community councils, businesses, public health bodies and conservation groups.
One of the seabird species most commonly found in Scotland’s towns and cities are herring gulls. Traditionally, herring gulls nest on cliffs and remote islands, but loss of habitat and reduction in food sources have led to these adaptable seabirds seeking alternative urban nesting sites.
Herring gulls are such a familiar sight that people may not realise how endangered they are. Herring gulls are one of 10 seabird species in Scotland on the UK Red list of serious conservation concern.
Emily Burton, Senior Conservation Officer for the Scottish Seabird Centre will be attending the summit. Ahead of the summit, she said:
“Scotland is home to some incredible and iconic marine wildlife, and supports internationally important seabird populations. However, most seabird species, including many gulls, are facing worrying declines. Their populations have been driven down by a range of pressures like climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, and loss of nesting habitat; and, in recent years, some gull species have increasingly moved into urban areas.
“One of the most common urban gulls are herring gulls. There is so much to love about herring gulls; they are large, inquisitive and clever seabirds, but their bravado is often what gets them into trouble. “Our government and councils have a responsibility to help us to live in harmony with wildlife, including urban gulls; and the good news is that we know how to do it. Key to success is avoiding conflict in the first place. That means not feeding gulls, keeping the streets clean and installing gull-proof bins, for example. “We will be attending the summit next week to make the case for co-existence with urban gulls. We will advocate for long-term solutions that will help curb unwanted gull behaviour without further endangering these special seabirds.”
Image credits and captions:
High-res images available to download HERE.
- Image credits: Jamie McDermaid, Greg Macvean
Note these images are free to use for this story only.
ENDS
For further press information:
- Jess Thompson, Marketing Manager, email jesst@seabird.org, tel: +44(0)1620 890202.
Notes for editors
- One of the species most commonly found in Scotland’s towns and cities are herring gulls. Traditionally, herring gulls nest on cliffs and remote islands, but loss of habitat and reduction in food sources have led to these adaptable seabirds seeking alternative nesting sites. Rooftops in urban areas are attractive nest sites and discarded food can provide an easy meal for them and their hungry chicks.
- Herring gulls are large, clever and adaptable seabirds. They mate for life and live for an average of 12 years. The sight and sound of them around Scotland’s coast is synonymous with summer at the seaside. They are such a familiar sight that people may not realise how endangered they are. Herring gulls are one of 10 seabird species in Scotland on the UK RED list of serious conservation concern, which puts them at risk of global extinction.
- The Scottish Seabird Centre is an award-winning marine conservation and education charity based in the stunning coastal town of North Berwick. Their mission is to inspire and educate people about the exceptional wildlife that Scotland’s seas support, motivating them to take action to protect it by supporting marine conservation and restoration projects.
- In May 2025 the Charity celebrated the 25th anniversary of the opening of its Visitor Centre doors to the public. Over the years the organisation has won multiple awards for tourism and sustainability.
- The Charity has led a range of high-profile conservation and education projects including the SOS Puffin initiative in the Firth of Forth.
- Follow the Scottish Seabird Centre on Facebook/ScottishSeabirdCentre. X/@SeabirdCentre and Instagram/@seabirdcentre
- For more information on the Scottish Seabird Centre visit https://www.seabird.org/about-us