|
Birds invade Scots Parliament |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, 10 October 2006 |
Birds invade Scots ParliamentTWO pigeons who have invaded the Scottish Parliament have caused a row among politicians over the best way to get rid of them.The birds, nicknamed Prudence and Polly, have roosted in the £431million building's complicated and difficult-to-access roof space.
Security guards have been told to warn visitors about the danger of being hit by pigeon droppings.
Meanwhile politicians have been wrangling over the best way to get the birds out.
One has offered to go up and "wring their necks myself" for £250 a bird.
But others cannot agree on plans to bring in a pest control specialist - which would also cost £250.
Shooting the pair and scaring them away have also been put forward as potential solutions.
The problem is complicated by the unusual roof design, a feature of the controversial building.
Designed to look like a series of upturned ships, it is very difficult for humans to get into.
Defences such as nets and spikes have also been installed to prevent birds doing so - but it hasn't stopped Prudence and Polly.
Parliament spokesperson Elaine Mitchell said: "We have had defenses against birds in place for some time, it just so happens that these birds have nested at the front entrance.
"The roof is a very complicated structure and there are health and safety considerations."
The building has been dogged by controversy after it was completed three years late and 10 times over budget.
The initial estimate for the project rose from £40million to £431million. |
Bird News 