An Easter egg hunt in Inverness, Scotland, descended into chaos as aggressive gulls launched 16 reported attacks on children and members of the public. The event, intended as a festive celebration, was marred by frequent and coordinated swooping incidents that left attendees alarmed and seeking safety.
Coordinated Gull Behaviour Sparks Concern
Janice Worthing, an ambassador for the Inverness Business Improvement District (Bid), described the gulls' actions as "frequent and coordinated", highlighting the unusual and troubling nature of the attacks. This behaviour has raised significant concerns about public safety and the growing issue of aggressive urban gulls in Scottish communities.
Highland Council Launches Gull Management Pilot
In response to the incidents, Highland Council is initiating an Inverness Gull Management Plan pilot project. This initiative aims to better understand the local gull population and its impact on residents. The project will feature an online portal where people can report "Gull Impact Data", helping to identify hotspots and prevalent behaviours to inform targeted mitigation strategies.
Wider Scottish Context and Government Action
The problem of aggressive urban gulls extends beyond Inverness, with previous calls for a nationwide summit to address the issue. In 2025, the Scottish government allocated £100,000 in funding to tackle disruptive gull populations, underscoring the seriousness of this environmental and public health challenge. Efforts are ongoing to develop sustainable solutions that balance wildlife conservation with community safety.
As Inverness wages war on seagulls following these coordinated attacks, the pilot project represents a critical step towards managing gull behaviour and preventing future incidents at public events.
