Gull scheme 'first in Scotland'

A falcon will be used to try to drive the gulls away from the town centre

A two-pronged approach to address problems with urban seagulls has been agreed in south west Scotland.

Dumfries and Galloway Council believes that combining the use of a falcon to stop birds nesting with an egg removal scheme is the first in the country.

The authority will put £35,000 towards the three-year strategy, but hopes to get Scottish Government support.

If the scheme proves a success it is intended it could be taken out to other towns and cities with similar problems.

Action will get under way next month when the falcon will be brought in to fly over Dumfries town centre.

The removal of nests and eggs is planned at the same time.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has voiced reservations about such schemes.

It has said a change in human behaviour would address the issue better than taking action against the birds.