Two Hebridean islands are to become the UK’s first reserve for native honeybees after a ruling by the Scottish government.
The islands of Colonsay and Oronsay have about 50 colonies and the new order aims to protect them from cross-breeding and disease.
The varroa mite, which has devastated bee colonies across the country, has not affected Colonsay or Oronsay.
The Bee Keeping (Colonsay and Oronsay) Order 2013 comes into force on 1 January 2014 and it will be illegal to keep honeybees on the islands except Apis mellifera mellifera.
These have been chosen due to their hardiness as they are believed to be able to survive the cold and wet weather conditions of Scotland’s west coast.
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