Complaints about seagulls in Aberdeen have risen dramatically

Gulls' eggs will be dipped in a light mineral oil which sterilises them, meaning they do not hatch after the adults have sat on them.

The number of complaints to the city council about seagulls has soared from 44 in 1994 to 134 so far this year.

One woman was injured recently when a gull tried to grab food from her mouth.

A council spokesman said: "The trial will take place in an unspecified area of the city.

"The council needs to carry out a feasibility study to investigate where is the most suitable area for the trial.

"The work of oiling the eggs will be contracted out and that will be put out to tender."

Various other methods including fake gulls, the planting of fake eggs and the fixing of spikes on roofs near nests have all been tried without significant success.