Borders Beginners Beekeeper Course 2027

This course helps build capable beekeepers through seasoned methods that serve both bees and beekeepers well. Six sessions offer presentations, interactive discussion with tutors, and a detailed handout of over 50 pages. Four sessions are in person and two are online, with dates below. A practical apiary session follows in spring. For 2027 beginners who wish, we will match you with BBA mentors for hands-on experience before buying bees. Local sourcing of bees is strongly encouraged, and starter colonies are available from members in mid June.

Cost: £150, which includes BBA membership for 2027 and 2028.

Venue: Smailholm Village Hall, Smailholm, Kelso TD8 7PH

Dates

  • Saturday 20 February 2027, 14:00 to 17:00, Smailholm

  • Saturday 27 February 2027, 14:00 to 17:00, Smailholm

  • Wednesday 3 March 2027, 19:30 to 21:00, Zoom

  • Wednesday 10 March 2027, 19:30 to 21:00, Zoom

  • Saturday 13 March 2027, 14:00 to 17:00, Smailholm

  • Saturday 20 March 2027, 14:00 to 17:00, Smailholm

Tutors

Julie McDiarmid (lead), Lindsay Craig, Graeme Bairden, Kate Atchley and Linda McCall.

How to book

  1. Fill in the registration form.

  2. Pay the course fee of £150 by bank transfer to:

    Account name: Borders Beekeepers Association Bank: Bank of Scotland

    Sort code: 80-16-57

    Account number: 00295523

    Payment reference:

    BC27 followed by your surname, for example BC27SMITH

  3. Submit the form, including your payment reference and the date you paid.

Your place is confirmed only once payment has been received in full. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions about the course, please email Julie McDiarmid.

Terms and Conditions

Booking and payment
A place on the Beginners' Course is confirmed only once payment has been received in full. Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Cancellation by participant
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of the start date will receive a full refund minus any administrative fee or committed costs. No refunds will be given for non-attendance once the course has started.

Cancellation by the Association
The Association reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the course because of insufficient numbers, adverse weather, tutor illness or other unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, participants will be offered a full refund or a place on an alternative course date.

Missed sessions
The Association cannot guarantee that missed sessions can be repeated or rescheduled, and fees cannot be reduced for missed sessions.

Fitness to take part
Participants are responsible for making sure they are fit to take part in practical beekeeping activities.

What previous participants said

"Amazing course. Everyone very welcoming."

"The frame building was great."

"Excellent content."

"I think the course overall had way more information than I thought I would get as a beginner, which in my opinion was fantastic. I feel well prepared for the next steps and would recommend this course to anyone thinking of beekeeping."