Seòmar agus comataidhean

We have been working closely with local residents, and my point is that the licensing scheme is both bureaucratic and unrealistic, Mr Fairlie. I would appreciate it if you could look at—

I would appreciate it if the minister could look at the red tape that is associated with businesses and at the timescales. We suggested a pilot, which would have been absolutely perfect and would have dealt with the bespoke issues that affect each and every town across Scotland that has problems with gulls.

I will give a snapshot of where I am and how I have tried to represent the views of my constituents. In December, I hosted a site visit with NatureScot to show it the worst-affected areas around the harbour. I have held multiple meetings with NatureScot to explore and seek advice on the licence application. I secured NatureScot’s endorsement of signage to discourage the public from feeding gulls. I have also convened discussions with Scottish Borders Council, which is now preparing a draft gull management plan.

Much more needs to be done on this. I do not believe that the issues are being taken seriously. When I highlighted last week—

I will say what is in this document first, if Mr Fairlie does not mind, and then I will take the intervention.

The document says that the applicant intended to try some solutions but that other solutions that had not been tried included disturbance by dogs. The reason why people have not used dogs is because gulls do not have nests on the ground. I made the point last week: do we expect spaniels to scale scaffolding or dogs to go up on drones?

Jim Fairlie rose—

I highlighted last week that, within 24 hours, NatureScot had U-turned and granted two licences. That happened only because I had highlighted the issue to the minister in Parliament. A lot more needs to be done. We need to support the people who are having trouble with the gulls.

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with local stakeholders regarding the protection of wild goats in the Scottish Borders. (S6O-04850)

Wild goats have roamed Langholm moor for centuries, and more than 12,000 local residents have signed a petition calling for their protection. They are not just part of the landscape; they are a living link to Scotland’s past. However, the Scottish Government’s refusal to grant them protected status has enabled a cull that aimed to reduce a herd of 138 to just 20 during the birthing season. Will the minister commit to meeting me and the Wild Goat Conservation Group and working with us to find a workable solution to safeguard this unique part of the natural and cultural heritage of the Scottish Borders?

The statement recognises that early intervention is key. However, following a fatal accident inquiry after the tragic death of my 18-year-old constituent Harris Macdonell, Sheriff Paterson stated that it was wholly inappropriate that Harris was placed in Huntlyburn adult psychiatric ward. As a result of an FOI request, we know that, since 2007, 107 young people have been placed in inappropriate adult care settings. There are just three such facilities for young people in Scotland, but the statement does not accept that there are issues from diagnosis through to appropriate mental health care for young people. Will the minister react to that, please?

I thank my colleague Douglas Ross for bringing forward this important debate. As many members have said, we have been talking about this issue for years, but absolutely nothing is getting done. The Government is not listening to us, so the problem continues.

In Eyemouth, in my constituency, aggressive seagull behaviour continues to cause concern to businesses, tourists and anybody who is doing anything along the harbour. It is not just a seasonal nuisance; it is a serious and growing health and safety risk, particularly for children and elderly residents, as Fergus Ewing said.

In September last year, we were told that, in one month, seven children in Eyemouth had been attacked, with one girl left with gashes to her scalp and blood running down her face. One resident described people being “scared, attacked and traumatised”, and said that the problem is “actively deterring customers” from her business and the town. We found ourselves trying to plan ahead. The community got together with supportive councillors—Councillor Carol Hamilton, a Conservative, and Councillor James Anderson, an independent—and NatureScot to try to do something about the situation. However, the can was kicked down the road and nobody took it seriously.

NatureScot made some suggestions. Jim Fairlie shook his head when my colleague Liam Kerr said that the use of dogs had been suggested. That is absolutely in this—

The Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity (Jim Fairlie) rose—

Jim Fairlie is slightly missing the point. If he takes the time to look at the reasons for the refusal of applications, he will realise that NatureScot has already stated, and has evidence to show, that the people who are having trouble have already undertaken all the measures for management and deterrence, including those with regard to food waste, preventing a return to old nests, hawking and so on. We need a summit, not just in Moray but across Scotland.

I will take the intervention.