What a great day we had at our annual beekeeping convention, held on 6 November at the Aberdeen Airport Dyce Hotel. We were privileged to hear from two experts in their respective fields: Lead Bee Inspector for Scotland, Luis Molero, and BBKA Master Beekeeper, Graham Royle.

In the morning session, Luis provided a Scottish Government Honey Bee Health update. He spoke about the critical importance of disease control, bio security and good disease management practices, as well as how to properly carry out a foul brood inspection. Next up was Graham, with a talk entitled ‘Skyscraper Beekeeping’ – and now that we’ve seen the pictures of his hives, we know that this was an appropriate title. Graham described the strategies he adopts in order to build up colonies that gather so much honey you need a ladder to add supers to them!

In the afternoon, Luis gave a fascinating and thought-provoking talk about the increasingly hot topic of the Impact of managed honey bees and responsible beekeeping. This was followed by Graham leaving us amazed by his imagination and invention in a talk entitled ‘If Heath Robinson were a Beekeeper’. Perhaps one or two handy ADBKA members will have been inspired to build their own swarm collection vacuum!

Beyond the presentations, the Bee Cabin trade stand was busy, and members took advantage of the generous discount on equipment offered by Colin on the day.

In addition, ADBKA library books were borrowed, honey was purchased, quiz questions were wrestled with, prizes won, and lunch and refreshments enjoyed.

Thanks go to: our speakers, Luis Molero and Graham Royle; Colin Devine of the Bee Cabin; Malcolm Watson, our Chair and MC for the day; and all the committee members involved in organising and running the event.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s convention!