A hawk will watch over Stonehaven next week in a bid to rid the town of gulls.
Handler Kirsty Imlay will begin a series of patrols with harrier hawk Sky in Stonehaven on Monday
It follows the introduction of a falconer in Peterhead last week and Miss Imlay will return throughout August as required.
The Harris hawk will not harm the gulls, only disturb them, as it brings more security to local lunchboxes.
The technique has already been successful at the Wimbledon Championships, Aberdeen FC’s Pittodrie Stadium and at local schools.
The scheme run by NBC Bird and Pest Solutions is in response to a successful breeding season for herring and lesser black backed gulls.
Aberdeenshire Council is now looking for options to reduce bird numbers including gull proofing buildings, and nest and egg removal.
Senior environmental health officer Jim Logue said the problem will decline in the next few weeks as the gulls naturally migrate along the coast.
“In the meantime, it’s hoped the ‘fly and scare’ measures will reduce the risk of attacks on people,” he said.
He also urged people not to feed gulls as this could lead to them associating people with food.
Last year the council received 36 formal complaints about gulls which included attacks on young children.
It is illegal to harm any wild bird or interfere with its habitat, but licences can be issued to protect public health and safety.