Web Based Resources

The Scottish Beekeepers Association (SBA) is our national organisation. Beekeeping in Scotland is informally organised into Local Associations (about 45) nearly all of which are affiliated to the SBA. See http://www.scottishbeekeepers.org.uk and Facebook. There is an annual membership fee applicable. Membership of the SBA brings the following advantages:

  • Monthly magazine (The Scottish Beekeeper) providing bee news and information on apiary management, marketing, disease control etc

  • Insurance for 3rd party and bee colony loss (from certain diseases & theft up to 3 hives)

  • Access to Education & Basic Beekeepers Certificate and further study modules

  • Contact with beekeepers in other parts of Scotland (and the world)

  • Use of The Moir Library (Fountainbridge Library, Edinburgh): an uniquely important and extensive collection of books relating to bees and beekeeping.

The Scottish Native Honey Bee Society (SNHBS) was established in 2017 to support the keeping, breeding and conservation of our native bee ­— Apis Mellifera Mellifera. You can learn more about the activities of SNHBS at www.snhbs.scot and on Facebook. There is an annual membership fee applicable.

Beebase: The National Bee Unit (NBU) runs this website — the main governmental beekeeping site for the UK. NBU undertakes research into bees, promulgates advisory information and supports bee health programmes and the work of bee inspectors throughout the UK. See secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/. We encourage beekeepers to become familiar with the resources available on this site, especially the guidance on diseases. All beekeepers are requested to register on Beebase, adding the location of apiaries to support the work of bee inspectors throughout the UK. This information is not publically displayed and is available only the national bee inspectors.

The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA) advises The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) and provides diagnostic support on the statutory bee diseases, especially American Foul Brood, European Foul Brood, in support of SEERAD's responsibilities under the bee diseases legislation. Samples may be sent in where suspected poisoning or undiagnosed colony failure occurs. Send, for the attention of Fiona Highet, to SASA at Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh, EH12 9FJ 

The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) largely represents English and Welsh beekeepers. This body conducts research and is engaged with Government (as is the SBA) in relation to issues affecting bees. Their magazine is excellent. Find out more at www.bbka.org.uk.

BIBBA: the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders’ Association promotes the conservation, restoration, study, selection and improvement of the native and near-native honey bees of Britain and Ireland (Apis mellifera mellifera). See www.bibba.com.

Dave Cushman: During his lifetime Dave became an extremely knowledgeable beekeeper and he shared this will others through a great number of web pages. These are now being maintained and updated, posthumously, and you will find much of interest at www.dave-cushman.net.

Cam is a boy scout who is doing his insect study badge. He has found this useful web resource on bees and has asked us to post it on our website. Here it is