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Monday, 2nd November 2009 Change Date Latest Issue

Violent seagulls halt visits to Inchcolm wartime defences

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Published Date: 11 July 2009
VIOLENT seagulls are ruining tours to historic Inchcolm Island by attacking visitors there.
The island in the Firth of Forth draws hundreds of tourists every year. The 12th century Augustine abbey and the wartime coastal defences, are major attractions.

But the island, run in part by Historic Scotland, is also a haven for seabirds.

Now visitors, who pay £10 per head for a boat ride from South Queensferry and an extra £4.70 to go ashore, are unable to explore some areas because screaming seagulls intent on protecting their chicks are swooping and striking them on the head. The problem has peaked this summer after the island's seagull population quadrupled from 2,000 to 8,000 birds.

One visitor said: "I took the boat over to Inchcolm to see the war defences, but it was impossible because of the seagulls.

"As soon as you go near the ruins you are aware of a deafening screeching, and the birds begin to swoop down. They go straight for the head, and give you a painful blow."

Graeme Bell, Historic Scotland district architect, said that the situation was "being monitored".





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  • Last Updated: 11 July 2009 11:00 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Shaggy B,

Edinburgh 11/07/2009 11:44:30
This is old news. I've been over two or three times, and remember being strongly warned to stay away from nesting sites, so sensible visitors have always been "unable to explore some areas."
2

Ich bin ein Berliner,

11/07/2009 13:28:08
I remember being told way back when in Australia to prevent attacks by nesting currawongs (Aussie Magpies) that if you wore a hat with eyes painted/stuck on the back they would leave you alone as they will not attack you from the front.Is this true or was someone just yanking my chain?
3

alfonsa pedrosa,

embra 11/07/2009 13:33:28
Seagulls have been doing this for decades on Inchcolm it is their territory just as your dog will bark when someone comes through the garden gate.
4

Ich bin ein Berliner,

11/07/2009 13:47:27
#3.
Mrs Pedrosa your ability for stating the bleeding obvious is quite uncanny.
5

Daft Old Git,

11/07/2009 14:01:46
#3.
That's not true. My dog doesnt bark when soneone opens the gate. I'd skelp it if it did. These seagulls (and your dog) just need a bit of discipline
6

Ich bin ein Berliner,

11/07/2009 14:09:39
You should be suspicious if your dog does not bark when your best mate comes around.
7

Daft Old Git,

11/07/2009 14:20:37
#6
I don't have any mates.I'm too grumpy. The bucket man used to come round once a week but he's working to rule which seems to involve not working. There is also a postman who keeps leaving me little red bands but I wouldn't class him as a mate. I can't stand my dog. It smells worse than my pants.
8

lod,

West Calder 11/07/2009 14:49:01
At least ten years ago the centre on the island issued visitors with garen canes so they could fend the birds off. Sounds like a fun day!
9

Boston sports fan,

11/07/2009 21:06:56
I'm happy I decided not to get off the ferry 10 days ago while visiting the Edinburgh area. It sounds like a scene from an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
10

Sqidward,

13/07/2009 11:01:34
I fashioned a nest from some twigs and moss and superglued it onto a hat. Wearing this, I found that on visiting Inchcolm not only was I not attacked, I was positively protected by my feathered friends.

If anyone is intrested in buying a Nestohat© let me know.

11

Voldemort,

Edinburgh 13/07/2009 11:20:57
Wy don't they shoot all the seagulls and put stuffed ones on the nests - Visitors happy, shooters happy, local economy happy and problem solved! The added bonus is that you get to infuriate 'Bill Oddie' sorts !!
12

Will1875,

14/07/2009 12:05:58
I was over on Inchcolm on saturday and there didn't seems to be a problem. Its a beautiful island and it was a lovely day.

 

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