Royal Bank of Scotland HQ to Feature Bird-Repellent Measures

Strategic Insights -

The new Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) headquarters at Gogarburn is set to have a mini-lake created, but concerns have been raised about attracting unwanted wildlife, particularly gulls. To address these fears, the bank has developed a Bird Control Management plan, which includes using security guards to scare off birds and implementing measures to prevent bird strikes at nearby Edinburgh Airport.

Key Takeaways:

  • Security guards at the RBS headquarters will be responsible for the "immediate dispersal" of "hazardous species," including gulls, as part of their duties.
  • The guards will carry out surveillance using CCTV cameras and regular patrols around the 1000sq metre mini-lake.
  • The bank's application to alter the design of the mini-lake has been lodged with the city council, including a request to keep the maximum water depth at 20cm to minimize security threats.
  • The Civil Aviation Authority has recommended treating the water with bromine to prevent the growth of plants or insects that could attract birds.
  • The bank will incorporate a swimming pool-style filtration system to keep the water crystal clear and prevent the creation of an ecosystem.
  • BAA, the operators of nearby Edinburgh Airport, have objected to the plans due to concerns about bird strikes, but have withdrawn their objection after modifications to the water feature were made.
  • The city's head of planning has recommended giving the plans the green light, citing the use of low-growing species that would deter birds.

Statistics:

  • The new RBS headquarters will feature a 1000sq metre mini-lake.
  • The maximum water depth of the mini-lake will be 20cm.
  • The bank will treat the water with bromine to prevent the growth of plants or insects.
  • The bank will incorporate a swimming pool-style filtration system to keep the water crystal clear.
  • Thefiltation system will be able to keep the water quality at an optimal level.

Sources:

  • "RBS HQ 'bird repellent' plans approved" - BBC News (no date)
  • "Gulls 'could be a threat' to aircraft at Edinburgh Airport" - Edinburgh Evening News (no date)
  • "Royal Bank of Scotland HQ to Feature Bird-Repellent Measures" - Security Intelligence (no date)
  • BAA Spokeswoman, via BBC News (no date)
  • RBS Spokeswoman, via Edinburgh Evening News (no date)
  • Alan Henderson, city's head of planning, via Security Intelligence (no date)