Hit squad flies in to tackle parly pigeons

BIRDS of prey have been drafted in to scare away pigeons plaguing the Scottish Parliament.

The £44,000 contract will see seven birds tackle the problem but under a "no kill policy".

Ian Cain, of NBC Bird and Pest Solutions, said his hawks would first flush out the pigeons from hidden corners of the Holyrood building. Falcons should then finish the job by frightening them away.

One of the birds is named after footballer Archie Gemmell for his "skill on the wing".