Beekeepers create a buzz at the Black Isle Show
Dingwall and District Beekeepers Association were on hand at the Black Isle Show.
The team showed visitors how different honey is made, how bees can be protected and gave tips on how people could become a beekeeper themselves.
Stewart MacPherson has been doing it as a hobby for the last five years in Dingwall and Torridon.
He said: “I lived with another beekeeper for 10 years and rather than beat them I thought I would join them!
“We want people to know about bees, how good they are for the farming population and for the community. We want to discourage people from killing them and show them what to do with swarms.
“We harvest honey and we want people to know about the different kinds at different types of year, whether that’s blossom honey or heather honey.”
He wished people knew that although bees sting they are mostly harmless as long as left to get on with their work.
He continued: “They are important and so if you have a swarm, don’t get rid of it or cover it with water.
“We would rather people knew they are helping our environment and they are good for crops.”
On finding out how to become a beekeeper, he said: “Find your local beekeeping organisations.
“There is Dingwill & District and there is the Inverness group. If you went to one of those then they would mentor you on how to be a beekeeper, help you how to find the equipment and they will help you get your bees.”
“It’s a great hobby to have and it’s not intense like having hens as you don’t have to deal with them too much. “
