Hoards of aggressive gulls have taken up residence at a Moray secondary school, provoking fears for the safety of pupils when classes resume.
Residents who live around Elgin Academy say the birds flocked to the building’s flat roof after being driven from their usual haunts by anti-nesting equipment.
People on Morriston Road, who have been terrorised by the gulls since their arrival, now fear it is only be a matter of time before pupils come under attack.
Moray Council yesterday confirmed it was looking into ways of safeguarding youngsters.
Resident Duncan Pockett, who has taken on the role of community spokesman since representing locals’ concerns over the new school building, said the gulls had overrun the area.
He said: “Recently Elgin’s Tesco put netting in place on its roof to prevent gulls from nesting there, and it seems like since then they have made the academy’s flat roof their new home.
“Myself and my neighbours really have to watch ourselves in our gardens now, especially if we are going about with food.
“Some people won’t even let their children play outside, for fear of birds attacking them.
“It’s definitely getting worse, there can be 50-60 birds circling the place at times.”
With the new school term about to commence in less than a fortnight, Mr Pockett is calling on the authority to take urgent action to protect youngsters.
The 62-year-old retired traffic policeman added: “I worry what it will be like for the kids when they return to school – it’s just a question of time before a pupil gets attacked.
“And even more birds will be attracted by the litter and food once the session is under way.
“Moray Council needs to do something to prevent the birds being on the roof.”
Elgin City North councillor Patsy Gowans, who lives in the Morriston Road area, encouraged the council to follow the example of local supermarkets and apply netting to the academy building to stop gulls nesting there.
Mrs Gowans said: “Businesses like Tesco and Asda have addressed the problem in Elgin, but issues with gulls here are escalating.
“Residents from the entire circumference of the school have come to me with complaints about the birds.
“I’ve had them pecking at my bag in the town when it hasn’t even had food in it, they are just that brazen.
“The gulls can be frightening and the council needs to ensure academy children are safe.”
Caroline Hambly, chairwoman of Elgin Academy’s parent council, added: “We would support any measures that would help keep our children safe.”
A Moray Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the situation with gulls at Elgin Academy and we are currently looking at what options are available.”
Early last month Buckie woman Jean Middleton was left bloodied and bruised when a gull intentionally swooped into her face.
Ms Middleton said the creature “looked her right in the eye” before launching the attack.
Last week Aberdeen FC vowed to tackle the problem birds at Pittodrie after a flock of unruly gulls bombarded supporters during the club’s Europa League qualifying fixtures against FK Shkendija and Rijeka.
However a group of north-east writers have vowed to restore the reputation of the much-maligned seabirds and have produced a book of poems, stories and artwork in praise of the gull, titled White Wings of Delight, which will go on sale in aid of the RSPB next month.