New survey will count urban gulls in Inverness

Gulls are to be counted in Inverness to help Highland Council better understand the size of the population and where they nest and forage.

Like other parts of Scotland, there have been complaints about the birds' droppings, noisy calls, dive bombing and raiding rubbish bins.

Gulls, like all wild birds, are protected by law but measures can be taken to discourage them from nesting in certain areas.

Highland Council has appointed a consultancy to carry out the survey to help it develop future gull management plans.