Beginners Beekeeper Course 2026

Course for Beginners 2026

For enquiries about the 2026 course please email Martin here with your name, address and mobile phone number. Please note that preference will be given to applicants who are resident in the Scottish Borders.

The aim of this course is to train competent beekeepers following a well-tried and orthodox method of bee management and husbandry which provides good outcomes for bees and beekeepers. The course is comprised of 6 teaching sessions, with presentations and interaction with tutors, supported by a detailed 50+ page handout.

Four sessions will be in-person and two online: dates and details below.

In addition, we aim to offer a practical apiary session in the Spring, after completion of the course. For those who wish to start beekeeping in 2026 we will do our best to allocate mentors – experienced BBA members with whom to gain hands-on experience before buying a colony of bees.

We encourage sourcing bees locally and endeavour to provide bees for beginners who wish to buy them and are ready. These starter colonies are usually available from members from mid-June onwards.

Tutoring team:

Julie McDiarmid (lead tutor)

Lindsay Craig

Martin Stainer

Kate Atchley

Dates & venue:

Saturday February 28th

Saturday March 7th

Wednesday March 18th (zoom)

Wednesday March 25th (zoom)

Saturday March 28th

Saturday April 11th

Saturday meetings will be held at Smailholm Village Hall (provisional)

Cost & membership:

Cost for 2026 will be £150 to include BBA membership for 2026 and 2027

Eligibility, booking & enquiry:

The course is available to applicants who live in the Scottish Borders and those for whom BBA is the nearest beekeeping association.

Booking is now open.

To enquire and book, please email Martin Stainer here.