Scottish SPCA

Gannet chicks blown into sea

The Scottish SPCA is caring for six gannet chicks after they were blown off their nest on the Bass Rock, near North Berwick.

We rescued the birds when a local resident asked for help. The chicks are now being looked after at the charity's Wildlife Rescue Centre near Dunfermline, Fife.

Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, "The gannet chicks are only around six weeks old and can't yet fly.

"They sit on the nest and stretch their wings out, building up their strength in preparation for flight when they are old enough.

"When there's a high wind they get caught up and dumped in the sea and that's when they get into trouble because they aren't able to fend for themselves.

"Thankfully these chicks were scooped up by passers by and they are all doing fine.

"We will care for them for four to six weeks until they are able to fly and then we'll take them back to North Berwick to be released."

We recently called on the ancient tradition of guga hunting to be banned. The hunt takes place annually on Sula Sgeir where around 2,000 gannet chicks, or guga, are taken to be eaten as a local delicacy.

The guga are killed by being beaten over the head with a heavy implement and the charity wants the cruel practice to be outlawed.

Anyone wishing to report an injured or distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

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