Jim Fairlie, the minister for agriculture, has issued this opinion piece ahead of today’s gull summit in Inverness. That is why the Scottish Government and NatureScot are holding a summit in Inverness this week to listen to the people, businesses, communities and council representatives who have been affected. Licences were issued in Eyemouth this year, and NatureScot has also worked in Inverness, Nairn and Moray to address issues. Spaces at the summit are limited – priority has been given to representatives from affected businesses and communities rather than local politicians. The concerns and experiences of local MSPs have been taken into account and will weigh heavily in the deliberations on how we find solutions and protect people from harm.