Gulls are a familiar part of coastal life, but in St Andrews their numbers in built-up areas have created real challenges. From ripped bin bags and scattered rubbish, to noisy nesting sites, blocked gutters and the quite frightening swooping for food from passers-by. These problems affect residents, visitors and businesses alike.
The Community Council, working closely with major stakeholders in St.Andrews, is developing a joined-up approach to manage the issue. But success depends on all of us.
Why management has to be responsible
All wild birds in Scotland, including gulls, are legally protected. Their nests and eggs are also protected. This protection is overseen by NatureScot, the national agency responsible for safeguarding Scotland’s wildlife.
NatureScot’s role is to make sure species are protected while still allowing sensible management where human health and safety are at risk. That means:
- Prevention first – keep waste secure, deter birds from nesting and remove old nest debris outside the breeding season.
- Licensing where necessary – in cases where prevention fails and gull activity poses a proven public health or safety risk (for example, repeated attacks causing injury or contamination of food preparation areas), NatureScot can license limited nest or egg removal – but this is a last resort.
This framework means our community has to balance respect for protected species with practical steps to reduce genuine risks.
What you can do
Everyone can play a part in reducing gull problems:
Residents and visitors
- Don’t feed the gulls – it encourages bold and aggressive behaviour
- Use bins properly – tie bags, close lids and never leave rubbish accessible.
- Take litter home if bins are full.
Businesses and cafés
- Clear tables promptly and keep outdoor areas clean.
- Use secure, lidded bins and arrange frequent waste collection.
Property owners
- Out of season (autumn–winter), consider prevention measures such as nets, spikes, or wires in problem spots.
- Remove old nesting materials before spring to reduce the risk of return.
- Seek advice from professional pest controllers if problems persist.
Why your reports matter
We have introduced a Gull Incident Form on this website. By reporting swoops, bin raids, fouling hotspots or blocked flues, you provide vital evidence.
This evidence helps us:
- Identify problem areas throughout the town.
- Support local businesses and residents with targeted advice.
- Demonstrate to NatureScot when licensing might be justified for health and safety reasons.
Without evidence, it’s very difficult to push for stronger action – so please take a few moments to fill in the form whenever you encounter a problem.
Working together
Managing gulls is not about “getting rid of them.” They are part of our coastal environment. However, with consistent prevention, responsible waste management and clear evidence of the issues, we can find a sensible balance – protecting our town, supporting businesses, and respecting the birdlife we share it with.