ANTI-pigeon measures at the Scottish Parliament are costing taxpayers almost £15,000 a year – with a hardcore flock of around 14 birds still nesting in the alcoves.
Pigeons have plagued the parliament for years. When the building first opened, muck and feathers were blown through vents on to researchers’ desks and some birds even got into MSPs’ offices. Nets, wires and spikes were installed in a bid to keep the birds away.
Birds of prey were introduced in 2009 with a strict “no kill” policy. Last year, the Evening News revealed laser pens were also being used to frighten the birds away, prompting warnings by experts that birds could be blinded by such measures.
Today, pigeon experts said the parliament was wasting money by paying for any more action against the birds.
Monthly reports to Holyrood by contractors NBC Bird and Pest Solutions say they find an average of 14 birds present each time they arrive for their early-morning visits.
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