Glasgow University Gilbert Scott Building tower restricts access as two peregrine falcons found nesting

Two birds of prey have forced a Glasgow University building to close access to their spire after the animals returned to the building.

On Monday it was announced that the university’s Gilbert Scott Building tower would have all access restricted as two peregrine falcons were found nesting in the picturesque spire.

The peregrines have been making Glasgow University their home for more than a decade.

While the tower itself is not normally open, it is occasionally used for maintenance and filming requests.

But for the next few weeks, spire access will be completely restricted to protect the eggs and the young chicks.

Peregrine falcons, which are amongst the fastest animals on the planet, reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when diving down on their prey from a great height.

For the next few weeks – we have restricted all access to the Gilbert Scott Tower, as we have a pair of Peregrine Falcons nesting at the Spire & do not want to cause them any distress. These magnificent birds have been returning to our campus for many a year & are always welcome. pic.twitter.com/9ZlkEGnlE7
— Graeme K (@GraemeK73) May 29, 2022

The birds are strictly protected as they suffered from persecution and pesticide poisoning in the early 20th century and populations have only recently recovered.

Over the last couple of decades peregrine falcons have seen their numbers increase and in recent years they have found some unusual nest sites such as tall city structures which replicate the precipitous cliff edges that they would naturally nest on.

There are around 1,500 pairs of peregrines in the UK.

A spokesperson for the university said: “It’s wonderful to see the peregrine falcons back on campus and nesting in the spire again.

“They have been making the university their home for more than a decade now and we hope this will be another year that sees four or five young hatch and prepare for the world – just like our students.

“We have had to take the precaution of restricting access to the spire for a few weeks to protect the eggs and young, but hopefully we’ll see them flying very soon.”