Graeme Downie MP wrote to NatureScot for an update on the work carried out to safely control populations where the birds are causing issues.

As previously reported in the Press, calls had previously been made to Fife Council to treat seagulls in the same way as other pests such as rats and wasps.

This came after there were complaints about aggressive gull attacks and issues such as nesting materials blocking drains and gutters.

A petition was also started to tackle the “intolerable” seagull issues in Inverkeithing.

Complaints about aggressive gull attacks and associated problems such as bird droppings and nesting materials blocking drains and gutters continue to be received each year but few options are available to councils apart from education and awareness campaigns.

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Graeme Downie’s letter states: “Despite efforts to prevent nesting, there are increasing problems of large number of gulls across the area, including in Pitcorthie, Masterton, Cairneyhill and the City Centre itself.

“I saw this problem at first hand during the General Election Campaign when birds were attacking activists in residential areas.

“While I absolutely appreciate the need to protect our valuable wildlife and ecosystem, in many places these gulls are becoming a real nuisance and causing disturbance and distress to residents.

“I note the very helpful guidance on the NatureScot website that was last updated in 2020 as far as I can tell.

"Can I ask what further work has been done since then to examine how to safely and effectively control populations where they are causing disturbances to local communities?

“Also, I have been informed locally by constituents and pest control companies that obtaining a licence to deal with ongoing issues have almost always been refused.

"Can you please confirm if this is accurate and what more can be done to assist communities within Dunfermline?

“Finally, given the prevalence of this complaint within the city, can I ask if a member of your team would be willing to speak to a meeting of my constituents so they can outline their concerns and have their questions answered with expert advice from NatureScot?”