Johnstons' Bees

Johnstons of Elgin now has a honeybee colony within its grounds. The colony is located in a standard beehive in a secluded location within the garden area. The colony was moved from Pluscarden (approx. 6 miles away) in late April and has settled down very well into its new location. This colony was formed last summer on the heather moors of Speyside where it developed and thrived on the abundance of Ling Heather. The colony grew to sufficient size and managed to store enough honey to last it through a very long winter at its home base in Pluscarden.

The colony is building up its numbers, due to the good food sources offered by the mature garden and grounds of Johnstons and surrounding areas. With the colony remaining healthy and the weather allowing a good source of food (flowers, blossoms, etc) the bees have recently produced a small surplus of honey (as can be seen below).

Pollinating in the region 70% of the food that we eat, the honeybee plays a vital role in the planet's eco-system. However honeybees are under great threat from loss of suitable habitat, disease and man made problems (insecticides and pesticides). Reintroduction of honeybees into an urban location where, in Elgin, 95% of all wild honeybees have been lost, is of great significance.

If you would like to know more about beekeeping or beekeeping courses please visit Moray Beekeeper Association’s website at http://www.moraybeekeepers.co.uk/