Summit snub was ‘disappointing’

DUMFRIES and Galloway was not represented at Scotland’s recent seagull summit, and the snub has caused an almighty flap amongst politicians.

The event in Inverness last week sought to discuss the growing menace or urban gulls across Scotland with the Scottish Government’s Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie.

However the guest-list omitted several MSPs, and attendance was restricted to just a handful of community councils, pest controllers and businesses. None of whom were from the south-west where dive-bombing gulls remain a serious threat.

Commenting on the snub, Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson voiced his disappointment and stressed it was yet another missed opportunity.

He said: “We have already had a members’ debate at Holyrood on the scourge of gulls during which the Agriculture Minister promised to organise a summit to discuss the issue further.

“But it would appear he has gone back on his word and has limited those attending the summit.

“Given the massive problem being faced in the south west of Scotland, I am sure there would have been plenty of views and representations expressed – had they been given the opportunity. Unfortunately they were denied this chance.”

Mr Carson has since questioned news that the minister would be happy to discuss issues around gulls with MSPs again in Parliament, adding: “We have already aired our views at Holyrood surrounding the growing problem with the gulls, why is he wanting to do it all over again? Was the minister not listening the first time when many MSPs argued the need for action before someone is seriously injured by these marauding flappers?”