Why not combine a weekend beekeeping course with a visit to one of Scotland’s most remote and beautiful islands. Courses are taught at three levels:-
Beginners - to suit complete beginners and those with some background and who are perhaps starting with their own bees.
Intermediate – to suit those with some experience but who wish to improve skills.
Queen Rearing - to help those wishing to raise their own queens and have available for others.
Course Dates for 2021
Due to Covid 19 restrictions no courses could be held in 2020. These courses have been carried over to 2021. Present uncertainties still remain for this spring and summer. The safety of all course participants must take priority and will determine if courses can be held or not.
Beginners
Weekend May 8th and 9th ( Fully Booked )
Weekend June 5th and 6th ( Fully Booked )
Weekend June 19th and 20th (Spaces available)
Intermediate
Weekend May 22d and 23d (Fully Booked)
Intermediate/Queen Rearing
Weekend July 3d and 4th (Spaces available)
The Beekeeper
Andrew Abrahams has kept bees commercially on Colonsay for over 40 years and has wide experience of honey production and queen rearing. He holds the Scottish Beekeepers Association Master Beekeepers Certificate and has a BSc (Hons) Degree in Agriculture. He has teaching experience in both beekeeping and agriculture.
The Courses
All courses are limited to 10 participants, allowing everyone to get good access to the bees. Participants are encouraged to handle the bees and to raise their individual questions and concerns. Teaching is based very much on the premise that, we forget much of what we read or hear; we remember some of what we see; and we forget little of what we do
If the weather permits, all teaching is carried out in the apiaries, working with and learning from the bees. Much emphasis is placed on learning how to handle bees gently.
For further information, please email Andrew, colonsayblackbees@gmail.com
Visit http://www.colonsay.info/text/beecourses.html for more details.