New gull-proof bin unveiled in Eyemouth
Last updated 29th May 2026
Anyone enjoying fish and chips or an ice cream at the harbour in Eyemouth over the next six months now has a new place to dispose of their rubbish.
A new gull-proof bin has been installed near the seating area opposite Giacopazzi's.
It's part of a trial aimed at reducing litter in the area amid concerns the birds have been attacking children for their food.
The colourful receptacle uses solar power to compact waste - making it able to hold five times as much as a normal bin.
Lauren Nieuwenhuys, from Berwickshire Marine Reserve, told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's hopefully going to make a difference over the busy summer months.
"There are already multiple bins in place there and they're emptied daily by the council. But, on busy days and weekends, they can get full and overflow.
"Sometimes the lids aren't shut properly or can blow open and the gulls can access the rubbish."
But she added: "This bin is fully enclosed, with a pedal-operated hopper, so there's no risk of the rubbish flying out and ending up in our sea, or the lid not shutting properly."
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There have been calls for a cull of the bird amid concerns their numbers were getting out of control.
A practice known as 'egg oiling', which stops eggs from hatching, and nest destruction were employed by Scottish Borders Council in part to control the gull population.
But this service was ended in 2019 when it became a paid-for service, and was deemed economically unviable.
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Lauren said: "We want to help gulls by encouraging humans to not be part of the problem ourselves.
"We want people to dispose of their litter properly, and remove the temptation of leftover chips and easily accessible litter."
And she added: "The reaction in town so far has been really positive; people seem to really like the bin. It's helped I think by the striking art work by artist Caroline (Appleyard)."
Elsewhere, Coldingham is being recognised as one of Scotland's best kept beaches for the 20th consecutive year.
It's one of 52 to be awarded a Scotland's Beach Award.
It comes ahead of a major safety event there tomorrow (May 30th), as emergency services and rescue teams come together for a family awareness day.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/