We are a friendly, helpful and inclusive association supporting all with an interest in honey bees and beekeeping in The Scottish Borders.
🐝 Bee Alert - September 🐝
September sees beekeeping move into a non-flow period. The bees are still flying, but there's little nectar around. Pollen is still coming in — many of mine are returning covered in the distinctive white pollen of Himalayan balsam — and, if they're lucky, ivy may provide a final boost before winter.
Three SBA awards for Borders beekeepers
At the SBA AGM in Aberdeen at the end of April, three of our own were recognised with Affiliated Beekeeping Association Awards. These go to beekeepers whose contribution to their local association really stands out. Kate Atchley, John Wilkinson and John Dow all received medals, presented by Enid Brown, the SBA's newly elected president.
Congratulations to all three.
Kate Atchley
Kate came to the Borders from Ardnamurchan several years ago and brought considerable expertise. She has run Education for the association for years and rebuilt the beginners' course from the ground up. She has developed a team of trainers who now deliver it, and it is oversubscribed every year.
The full citations are on the SBA website:
John Wilkinson
John Wilkinson moved to the Borders ten years ago and became chair soon after, a role he held for five years, doubling as secretary for two of them. He has led the training course, mentored new beekeepers, and set up mock exams for anyone sitting the basic assessment. His apiary days are a fixture, and the cakes get a special mention. He kept the association going through COVID by moving everything online, and he has been our web developer and IT support for the last three years.
John Dow
John Dow was chair of Perthshire Beekeepers before moving here. He took on the treasurer's role and did it with quiet efficiency. For years, he was the go-to supplier for the observation hive at shows and school days, and he has mentored many new beekeepers along the way.
Latest News
Update Beebase …
We’d like to remind all beekeepers to take a few minutes to log in to BeeBase and check that their records are up to date. With foulbrood spreading this resource is ever more important.
BeeBase is our best tool to monitor and control the spread of honey bee pests and diseases. However, BeeBase is only as good as the information it is given. Up-to-date information also helps to build a clearer national picture of colony numbers and distribution across Scotland.
What to update this spring
As you prepare for the season ahead, please check:
Your contact details – name, address, email and phone number
Apiary locations – including any apiaries that have moved to rapeseed for example, closed, or been newly established
Colony numbers – to reflect winter losses, splits, or new colonies
Activity status – if you are no longer keeping bees or are taking a break this season
You cannot be alerted of a disease outbreak in your area if BeeBase does not know that you have bees there. If you are no longer actively beekeeping, please mark your account as “non-current” on BeeBase.
If you need help updating your BeeBase record, or if you have forgotten your username or password, please get in touch with us by email at Bees_Mailbox@gov.scot
All the information you enter into BeeBase is confidential and secure.
Scottish Government’s Honey Bee Health Team
Primary 5 children across the Borders spent a fun and frantic day discovering the world of bees. Rolled candles, encaustic bookmarks, and a sea of "I've spotted the Queen" stickers. Thanks to John Wilkinson, Her Ladyship and the whole team for making it happen. Want to get involved in future events? Contact the Education co-ordinator via the BBA website.