Scottish Beekeepers Association

The object of the Award is to stimulate education in beekeeping throughout Scotland, to further the work of research in practical beekeeping and to perpetuate the memory of the late Dr John Anderson.

It is to be awarded to members of the SBA ‘in recognition of special work or service for the furtherance of beekeeping in Scotland and beyond.’

Recipients of the SBA Dr John Anderson Memorial Award.

1945 A R Cumming, Inverness
1946 W W Smith, Innerleithen
1951 Dr Guy Morrison, Aberdeen
1953 Miss EM Donald, Kelso
1955 Mrs M M Hooper
1960 A Limond, Minishant
1961 J Cumming, Edinburgh
1963 WD Paterson, Guthrie
A Stewart, Peebles
1964 Capt L M Thake, Fife
1965 A S C Deans, Aberdeen
1966 No award
1967 Dr J Tennant, Glasgow
1968 No award
1969 Miss M Logan, Inverness
1970 C S Minto, Edinburgh
1971 W S Robson, Berwick – upon – Tweed
1972 J A MacArthur, Moray
1973 D Robb, Dundee
1974 No award
1975 I McHardy, Edinburgh
1976 Miss C Dickson, Edinburgh
1977 Mr & Mrs Taylor, Nottingham
1978 G F McLen, Craigellachie
J H F Smith, Ayr
1979 J Braithwaite, Dundee
1980 J McKay, Alloway
1981 A Cairns, Largs
A McLure, Longforgan
A C Smith
1982 G Lawson, East Lothian
J Dunlop, West Lothian
1983 G Smith, Dunblane
D Robertson, Fife
1984 G C Smith

1985 S Jack, Fife
W Kirsopp, Ayr
1986 No award
1987 R Couston, Perth
1988 D Auld, Moray
D Stewart, Nairn
1989 H Macpherson, Glasgow
1990 B Mobus, Aberdeen
J Durward, Western Galloway
A C Halkett, Edinburgh
1991 P C Aird, Largs
W A Brown, Dunblane
1992 Peter M.Young (absent through illness collected by R B Simpson , Fife)
1993 John & Morna Stoakley, Peebles BKA
1994 Ian Will, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA (EMBA)
1995 R G ‘Bob’ Brown, South of Scotland BKA
1996 No award
1997 George Braithwaite, East of Scotland BKA
1998 William A ‘Bill’ MacKenzie, Aberdeen
1999 No award
2000 Dr David Christison, Clyde Area BKA
2001 Ian Craig, Kilbarchan BKA
2002 W B ‘Willie’ Taylor, Aberdeen BKA
2003 Les H Webster, Aberdeen BKA
2004 A Eric McArthur, Glasgow DBKA
2005 Alasdair Joyce, Moray BKA
2006 No award
2007 Peter Browne, Lochaber BKA
2008 No award
2009 No award
2010 Magnus Peterson, Dunblane and Stirling BKA
2011 No award
2012 No award
2013 No award
2014 Dr John Durkacz, Dunfirmline and West Fife BKA
2015 No award
2016 Enid Brown, Fife Beekeepers
2017 No award

2018 Awarded to Tony Harris NDB...
...for services to stimulate education in beekeeping throughout Scotland, to further the work of research in practical beekeeping and to perpetuate the memory of the late Dr John Anderson. It is awarded to members of the SBA ‘in recognition of special work or service for the furtherance of beekeeping in Scotland and beyond’. Amongst other things this is a recognition of the Healthy BEES courses Tony is running in Scotland on behalf of Moray Beekeepers Association.

2019 EMBA – David Wright
David beavers away in the background without any fuss, and has carried out the following tasks - very much education based

• Examiner for the SBA Junior and Basic since 2012 to date
• Moderator for the SBA Module exams (twice per year) since 2013 to date
• Tutor at various workshops including Wax & Microscopy and lead tutor at several Skep workshops
• Examiner Microscopy
• SBA Honey Judge and active supporter of National and Local Honey shows for many years
• Member of the SBA Education Sub-Committee since 2012
• Mentor for the preparation of candidates for the SBA Basic
• Outside the SBA - Tutor at the EMBA Beginners Class and the Roslin Institute Beginners class for many years

2020 Moray Beekeepers - Ann Chilcott

Anne Chilcott has participated in beekeeping educational activities both at local and

national level over many years.

She completed the SBA education programme to the highest level, of SBA Expert

Beemasters, having been awarded the Expert certificate in 2013. She also obtained the SBA

Beekeeping Trainer certificate in 2017.

Ann has continued to generously give of her time in training beginners and passing on her

knowledge to intermediate and advanced learners. She has done this through tutoring at

local association classes, at SBA microscopy workshops and in being a supporting tutor in

the popular Moray Beekeepers “Healthy BEES” courses, hands on workshops aimed at

progressing beekeepers beyond basic level.

Ann has also organised highly successful SBA conventions, obtaining the services of notable

international speakers. She has also been active in giving talks to local associations.

She has been a regular contributor of educational articles to the Scottish Beekeeper

magazine and has served as a trustee on the SBA trustee board.

Ann also has an international profile as a contributor to journals such as Beekeepers

Quarterly and Bee Culture.

Dr John Anderson was a firm believer in education, often quoting the aim of “banning

ignorance as a method of raising competence”

Ann has indeed played an important part in banning ignorance in beekeeping and we

enthusiastically endorse this nomination of her for the Dr John Anderson Award.

2021 Glasgow & District Beekeepers’ Association - Peter Stromberg

Peter has been a member of the SBA since 1995 and is a stalwart supporter of the SBA

Education system, serving as an examiner for the Junior and Basic Beekeeping certificate.
He has also served as a tutor for the SBA Microscopy workshop preparing candidates for
their microscopy examination and has also served as an examiner for the SBA Microscopy
examination.
He has also been active in his local association, Glasgow and District Beekeeping
Association tutoring beekeepers and preparing them for the various SBA examinations.
Peter himself completed the full SBA education program culminating in him becoming a
SBA Expert Beemaster, the highest award within the Scottish Beekeepers Association
Education System.
Peter has also made significant contributions to education in his local Association as well
as for members and beginners all over the CABA area, organising the Beginners’ Classes
run over the winter months, which he has done tirelessly for more than 10 years. These
beginners have been given a wonderful appreciation of the honeybee and the
management of colonies to the betterment of the bees, the beekeeper and the
environment.
While not a founding member (the Association is over 100 years old!) Peter has been a
stalwart member of Glasgow & District for decades. Along with Ian Craig and Charlie Irwin,
Peter has organised the Beginners’ Classes which run over the winter months, he has
done this tirelessly for more than 10 years. An enormous number of beginners have been
introduced to the craft and to the marvels of the honeybee through his extensive and
thorough programme of 9 lessons. These beginners have been given a wonderful
appreciation of the honeybee and the management of colonies to the betterment of the
bees, the beekeeper and the environment. The courses have welcomed beginners from all
over the CABA area and as a result all the CABA Associations have benefit tremendously.
Peter’s abilities and knowledge when it comes to the microscopy side of investigating the
inner workings of the wee marvels is phenomenal and he is always keen to help others
overcome their initial apprehension when starting out on this very precise area of study.
Peter has had spells as Secretary of the Association and Librarian. In 2012 he has was
the West Area Rep for the SBA and ably represented all the Associations under his remit.
He has been a member of the SBA since 1995 and it is fitting that the SBA should
acknowledge his abilities and endurance.

2022 Margaret Anne Adams Western Galloway Beekeepers Association

Margaret Adams is a member of Western Galloway Beekeepers Association. During lockdown Margaret regularly shared pollen slides and explanations on Face Book, which were eagerly read by many beekeepers across Scotland and the UK as a whole, resulting in improving beekeepers education and understanding. Margaret published a book on 7 December 2021 “Pollen Grains & Honeydew: A guide for identifying the plant sources in honey”, which is proving very popular and is receiving excellent reviews. Margaret writes in her book: From 2019 to 2021, beekeepers from The UK and Continental Europe sent me samples of their honey, and the collection of digital photos from my own pollen slides, helped me to identify most of the pollens in their honey. These pollens and the honeydews found in most summer honey, feature in this book.

Christine Coulsting has contributed a section, describing how she deals with identifying pollens, found in her honey, but not in her pollen slide collection.

Alan Riach's section details the calculations needed to proportion the pollens found in a sample of honey, to the flowers' nectar contributions.

Her efforts and generosity in sharing her knowledge and expertise touches the beekeeping community in the UK and mainland Europe. One review says, “Margaret Adams has created an exquisite book full of amazing pictures and text.
A must have book for any beekeeper.”

Given the wide reach Margaret has achieved, and the positive impact on beekeeping education, she is a worthy nominee for the Dr John Anderson Award.

This is to be awarded to beekeepers for recognition of the quality of their contribution within their Local / Affiliated Association, and for their active promotion of the art of beekeeping in the environment of that Association.

The beekeeper must be a current member of the SBA and have been an SBA member for at least 7 years.

Recipients of the SBA Local Association Award

1994
C Neil Anderson, Kirkintilloch, Kelvin Valley BKA
Mrs Elspeth Anderson, Kirkintilloch, Kelvin Valley BKA

1995
John Ross, Kettlebridge, Fife BKA
Ian Craig, Brookfield, Kilbarchan BKA

1996
Mrs Moira Jenkin, Monifieth, East of Scotland BKA
James “Jim” Herd, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA

1997
AJ Davidson, Inverness BKA
SC Rae, Aberdeen BKA

1998
RG “Bob” Brown, Dumfries, South of Scotland BKA

1999
No Nominations

2000
Robert Wood, Aberdeen BKA

2001
TW “Bill” Rowe, Nairn BKA
EB “Bob” Simpson, Cupar, Fife BKA

2002
Mrs Helen Kinnes, East of Scotland BKA
Bob Marks, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA

2003
Ben Bellamy, Helensburgh BKA
C Gordon Stewart, Glasgow BKA

2004
Dr Arthur Ballantyne, Caddonfoot BKA
George Livingstone, Caddonfoot BKA
Sandy Gordon, Aberdeen and District BKA

2005
John Salt, Moray BKA
John Tout, Dunfermline and West Fife BKA

2006
Ken Mackay, Caddonfoot BKA

2007
Drew Guthrie, Borders BKA
Fred Mitchell, Borders BKA
Bill Smith, Borders BKA
Frank Mirtle, Nairn and District BKA
David Brown, Helensburgh BKA
Irene Joyce, Sutherland BKA

2008
Enid Brown, Dunfermline and West Fife BKA, Fife BKA

2009
Magnus Peterson, Dunblane and Stirling BKA
Dr John Durkacz, Dunfermline and West Fife BKA

2010
Charlie Irwin, Glasgow BKA

2011
Tony Riome, Ayr and District BKA
George Duncan, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA
Allister Guy, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA
Tom McGravie, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA
Helen Kinnes, East of Scotland BKA, (Bar to the LA award)

2012
Ian Lilley, East of Scotland BKA
Rita Calder, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA
Allan Drain, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA
George Mackay, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA

2013
No nominations

2014
John Cooper, Aberdeen and District BKA
Joyce Duncan, Ayr and District BKA
Ian Jamieson, Ayr and District BKA
Phil McAnespie, Ayr and District BKA
Alan Riach, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA
Eric McArthur, Glasgow and District BKA
Alastair Cameron, Helensburgh and District BKA
Neil Sandison, Helensburgh and District BKA
Bryce Reynard, Nairn and District BKA
Ben Bellamy, Helensburgh and District BKA (Bar to the LA award)

2017
David Wright, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA
Nigel Hurst, Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA
Mike Thornley, Helensburgh and District BKA
Phil Moss, Oban & District Beekeepers
Norman Jarvis, Border Beekeping Association

2018
Mrs Rebecca Higgins
Rebecca has been a member of Inverness-shire Beekeepers Association for 14 years, has served on the Committee since 2006 and was Treasurer from 2017 to 2010. She has been the Librarian since 2005 always sharing a selection of old and new books at meetings. Rebecca continues the legacy started with her late husband Chris demonstrating beekeeping to Brownies and to Primary School children. Rebecca is always a willing volunteer at the RHS and local honey shows and is considered a beekeeping champion by her ABA.

Graham Torrie
Graham is past chairman of Aberdeen & District Beekeepers Association. Graham managed the association apiary at Crathes and edited the association newsletter as well as leading the committee in its business. A skilled beekeeper, Graham is generous with his time using his excellent presentation skills to share his knowledge with other beekeepers, including delivering lectures at the annual Aberdeen beginners' class and presenting practical sessions at Crathes, in addition to coaching beekeepers on a one to one basis in less formal settings. Graham is widely read, and shares recent research and relevant publications during his presentations. He is a frequent winner at the Aberdeen honey show, taking away no less than three trophies in 2016.

Jane Sik
Jane is an active member of Ayr Beekeepers, has been on the committee from 2010, starting as a committee member then becoming treasurer in 2012 until 2016 and is currently the Vice President. Jane gives generous support at over 50 meetings a year in the evening and at the club apiary where she is on hand to give advice and uses her teaching skills to pass on knowledge to others. Jane attends shows where she engages with the public, helping raise and awareness about bees, working at the shop and doing the commentary for the open hive demonstrations. Jane has gained seven modules and is using her knowledge to help others who attend the module study evenings every two weeks in the lead up to exams. 2 years ago Jane became joint editor of the club’s newsletter Buzzword which is published bi-monthly. Jane was deeply involved with the organisation, planning and delivery of the Ayr Beekeepers’ centenary event. Jane is always reading about bees and finding something new!

Ian Stirling
Ian has been a member of Ayr Beekeepers since 2008 and on the committee since 2010. Ian rarely misses meetings. He is in charge of the hives allocated for the intermediate beekeepers which are used for specific purposes and has attended several workshops on queen rearing. In 2017 he helped run a queen rearing course at the club apiary for the first time. While not sitting the exams, Ian attended all the module study evenings. He was one of the first to sit the new Intermediate practical exam and went on to attain the Apiarian certificate. Ian’s organizing skills are valuable at shows attended throughout the year both local and further afield. Ian generously shares learning from attending SBA and BBKA workshops. He is particularly good when doing microscopy and diseases and was part of a small team who did a practical evening on microscopy. Ian is excellent at making things e.g. hives, nucs and warming cabinets to name but a few. Often if something is needed Ian appears with it not long afterwards.

Lindsay Baillie
Lindsay joined Ayr and District Beekeepers Association in 2007 and within a year was elected to the job of Secretary/Treasurer. Over time, as the Association expanded its activities this job became much larger. The joint role was split with Lindsay keeping the role of Secretary. Lindsay is a teacher and delivered Duke of Edinburgh award classes to her senior students, one of whom is currently the Ayr and District Treasurer, Chris Urie. She accompanied juniors on a trip to Prague for an International Meeting of Young Beekeepers. Lindsay continues to teach beginners both at the Beginners Courses in Spring and at the Association Apiary, does all the extensive work involved in being Association Secretary, is a regular contributor at various Shows and often takes home the cups! She recently encouraged members to learn about wax – how to filter it and how to make candles some of whom won prizes at the Centenary Honey Show. Lindsay rarely misses an Association Apiary meeting, her contribution is invaluable and she works tirelessly for the Association.

Liz and Kev Howell
Liz and Kev have been the lynchpins of the Border Beekeepers Association since 2010. During this time, they have given unstintingly of their time. For most of this period Liz and Kev have provided what was humbly described as ‘admin support’ for the association. However, this has meant a huge amount of work, covering the organizing of speakers for the winter meetings, the organisation of the BBKA at local shows, training, membership secretariat, and links to the SBA. It is perhaps indicative of the amount of work that they did, that their roles have now been shared out between eight people. As well as their hard work, they both have been extremely welcoming to new members. They have set the tone of the association by their friendly and approachable style that has been noticeable at all meetings. They have recently given up their roles within the association and have decided to take a break from beekeeping for the time being, although they recently appeared as guest judges at the associations honey show.

Joyce and Peter Jack
Joyce and Peter started their beekeeping journey as members of Peebles Beekeepers Association with Joyce mentored by the loved and respected Walter Brodie and Jim Bogle. Both Peter and Joyce successfully completed the SBA Basic Beemaster Certificate and Peter has completed the SBA Microscopy module, and attended a SBA Train the Trainer workshop. In 2010, they set up the Lamancha Beekeepers Association apiary at Whitmuir Organic Farm, Lamancha, and launched Joyce's brainchild of the first practical and hands-on one-year beginner beekeeper course, resulting in participants sitting the SBA Basic Beemaster (now Basic Beekeeper) certificate. Joyce was vigorous in pursuing LEADER and Awards for All grant funding to help achieve the environment and resources for developing and expanding the vision to create more certified beekeepers to practice effective honeybee husbandry and management, resulting in helping towards reducing the decline of honeybees in the Lothian and Borders region. In 2012, partnering with Nora Fitzsimmons and Newbattle Abbey College, Joyce and Peter relocated the Lamancha apiary activities to an apiary set up in the grounds of Newbattle Abbey College. Newbattle Beekeepers Association was formally constituted in February 2013. Through the dedication of its initial membership of 4, the NBA currently now has 48 adult members and 7 juniors. The one-year learning programme has led to 60 adult members and 6 juniors achieving distinction level passes of the SBA Basic Beekeepers' Exam (BBE) since 2010. In 2015 the first 2 juniors, then aged 10 and 12, were the first juniors in Scotland to achieve certification. Over the years, Joyce held the dual roles of Secretary and Treasurer and worked unstintingly to ensure standards were improved and sustained, and used her know how in successfully achieving a third grant from Awards for All (£30k in total). Joyce became allergic to bee venom and stepped back from the practical aspects of beekeeping. She however channels her passion and energy into the ongoing development of NBA. She was the 2017 NBA Treasurer and President, and invigilates at the SBA Module exams held at Newbattle Abbey College. Peter has been Joyce's stalwart partner putting his joinery skills to good use over the years in setting up and maintaining the apiary equipment, and has been generous with his beekeeping knowledge, mentoring beginner beekeepers and presenting workshops and demonstrations on beekeeping best practice. Peter continued to play a valuable role as a NBA Committee member until 2018. The dedicated and hard work by dynamic duo Joyce and Peter, in establishing a firm foundation in both apiary and educational development has made it possible for NBA members to create the Newbattle Bee Academy, work for which is now underway. Joyce and Peter are on the Bee Academy Steering Group and have made a valuable contribution to the progress made to date.

2019
Kilbarchan and District – Peter Stromberg

Peter has over many years run a Beginners Beekeeping Course in Glasgow, which a number of Associations within the geographical area in the West use, and direct new members too and those showing general interest in beekeeping too. Whilst supported by Ian Craig and Charlie Irwin at the outset, in the recent few years Peter has had to take on the lead on ensuring this form of education continues and is now starting to imbue others from the ‘feeder’ associations into delivering elements of the programme, which runs over the autumn and Winter months. Without Peter’s tireless focus on this over the past 10+ years (longer than 7, when both Mhairi Neil and I came through this course), Kilbarchan would not have had the resources or structure to provide this to new members alone, supplementing our practical mentoring approach, and many of our new members have attended this course.

Glasgow and District – Susan Fotheringham
Susan along with Jackie Reid were instrumental in the re-formation of Lanarkshire Beekeepers' Association. Initially arranging trial meetings to see if there was sufficient interest in having a group to set up an association and then to formalise this and affiliate with the SBA. Susan was their first Chairperson and at the last AGM became Secretary. Susan was a very active Chairperson promoting Lanarkshire both at local, regional and national level. She does talks at schools, WI, church groups etc - most recently - September to our local WI in Uddingston. Has promoted beekeeping at local events e.g. at the Scarecrow Festival in Bothwell. She has supported Bill Rintoul with the local beginners’ classes - which have had over 30 people each year over the last 2 years. Susan has been key in applying and getting funding including National Lottery money for Bee Equipment etc and in the education of members of the association. Susan has contributed at national level - particularly in organising stewarding at the RHS for the SBA. At an international level, she was instrumental in forging links with the French beekeeping groups -Jouey Beekeepers and Val D'Oise beekeepers for both Lanarkshire and Glasgow Associations respectively. Susan has also helped GDBKA as a member of their committee in getting funding for extraction equipment both for honey and wax. She was one of the formidable 4 who was on the Glasgow and SBA Autumn Convention sub committee who ensured the organisation and smooth running of the event.

EMBA – Matthew Richardson (nomination received from a fellow EMBA member supported by the EMBA Committee)
Matthew was one of the warmest welcomes provided on the Saturday practicals for the beginner course. His approach to integrating technology to beekeeping in combination with his great knowledge is accessible and interesting at all levels. He makes everyone feel a welcome and wanted part of the EMBA community.

Moray – Tony Harris
Many beekeepers will be well acquainted with Tony’s work on the ‘Healthy Bees’ project. This is the latest in a long list of the work he has carried out for the promotion of beekeeping husbandry, beekeeping knowledge and education. He has been a committee member/Trustee, Secretary, Chairman, Apiary manager and Education Team leader for the Moray beekeepers on more than one occasion stretching back into the mists of time. Always stepping in to fill a position when other members may be reluctant to fill these positions! Tony’s ceaseless work and infectious enthusiasm in teaching members new and old of the association in ‘best practice’ Beekeeping and encouraging members to become part of the education team, has promoted the association and made Moray beekeepers association Apiary arguably, the best training apiary in Scotland.

EMBA – Cynthia Riach
Cynthia is one of these people who get on with things and without whom events would not run as smoothly. It is essential that people like Cynthia are recognised for their input. Cynthia has always been a great supporter of EMBA activities over many years, quietly working away in the background and including:

• Helping with the Administration of the Honey Show (when Alan Riach was organising), making up recording charts, recording results and calculating the points for awards.
• Without fail, provides home baking for the Monday meetings
• Prepared a lot of EMBA apiary honey for sale at Monday meetings and taking control of payments for honey and teas.
• Very active in organising the Beginners’ course, doing a lot of the booking and paperwork required, over many years (prior to a more automated system being set up). She still books in attendees on the first night of the Beginners’ Course.
• Did all the checking, critiquing and organised the distribution of the Beginners’ booklet which would have been a whole lot less readable without her input.
• Helped to organise and administer the practical apiary visits, taking calls from lost beginners.
• Helped at the beginners’ frame-making nights, providing refreshments and cakes for the Beginners’.
• One of the few members who thoroughly goes the minutes of the AGMs and is a therefore a great reference point for the formal activities of the association.
• Helped at RHET farm open days where EMBA was requested to provide attendance & support.
• Continues to help set up and tidy away at the end of Monday meetings.

Fife Beekeepers’ – Isabel Brown
Isabel joined the Association and started beekeeping in 2007. She joined the committee in 2009 and was appointed Treasurer at our 2010 AGM. She has been an enthusiastic and absolutely reliable team member from the very start. Under her leadership our finances have been very healthy, and she introduced the scheme whereby members have been able to buy fondant, syrup, foundation, jars and frames at cost price, more than covering their membership fee in what they save on these purchases! She has represented the FBA at many local and national shows, is an expert on the observation hive and has recruited many new beginners through her enthusiasm for bees and beekeeping and her friendly, welcoming approach.

2020

East of Scotland Beekeepers Association - Jim Batchelor

Jim has been a beekeeper for over seven decades having started with his father when he

was 12 years old living in the Angus countryside.

Peebles BKA - Mandy Clydesdale

Mandy has been a member of PBKA for 14 years. She has served as a committee member

for most of that period and for the majority of that time as secretary.

KDBKA - Helena Jackson

Helena has been a member of the Scottish beekeepers Association (SBA) since 2012 She has

been an active member of Kilbarchan and District Beekeepers’ Association (KDBA) for 8 years

and was identified for her enthusiasm by the late Ian Craig who upon his retirement as

Secretary of the association in 2015 invited Helena to take up the post. Whilst she modestly

maintained she was not Ian’s first choice, we know better.

KDBKA - Donal and Joan Giltinan

Donal & Joan Giltinan for years have been the custodian of the common extraction

equipment for the club and managed that stuff and sharing it out.

ADBKA - Hugh Donahoe

A long-term member of Aberdeen Beekeepers, Hugh is a former member of our

committee. Since leaving the committee Hugh has continued to make a valuable

contribution to the association. After gaining his expert beekeeper certificate Hugh became

an SBA examiner and has since completed many practical assessments in this part of the

country. He has enjoyed considerable success over the years with his honey show entries

and is also a honey judge.

ADBKA - Kirsty Sutherland

Until last year Kirsty was the Scottish Government bee inspector for this area. In addition to

completing her official duties with diligence Kirsty also supported the association as a longterm

committee member and as an instructor on our beginners' course and at numerous

apiary demonstrations. She is an effective communicator and always strives to promote

good practice in the apiary, especially in the area of health and hygiene.

Ayrshire and District Beekeepers - Julian Stanley

Julian has been a boon to the club, especially when our fantastic Secretary sadly passed

away over a year ago. Lindsay Baillie was really missed, and we had relied on her so much

and didn't realise it. A few of us had to try and fill the gap. Julian managed to hold the fort

through some difficult times. He is a very patient person and is a good mentor for less

experienced beekeepers. Julian has been current President since 2016. He spearheaded the

move to a Scottish Charity and led the organising team for the 2017 Centenary convention

with the SBA.

Western Galloway Beekeepers’ Association - Linda Robertson

Linda joined our association in August 2012 with no beekeeping experience and no bees. At

the association AGM, two months later, she took on the role of secretary as she felt that by

giving her time to the club she would be repaid with help and expertise.

Over the next six years Linda transformed the administration of the association. As

secretary she organised meetings, speakers, visits and the mentoring of new beekeepers

and mentees. She is the busiest of our members in terms of giving presentations to local

groups. She exhibits and stewards at the Royal Highland Show and encourages other club

members to do likewise.

Glasgow & District Beekeepers’ Association - Jim McBeath Pronounced ‘McBeth’

Jim has been a member of Glasgow and District Beekeepers Association for more than 10

years and of the SBA for more than 15. Jim is a ‘safe pair of hands’ and is utterly reliable. As a committee member he has

volunteered for many tasks and all have been undertaken with quiet enthusiasm and utter

competence.

GDBKA - Ed O’Brien

Ed O’Brien has been a member of the Glasgow Association for more than 10 years and

joined the SBA in 2011. He is an active and very enthusiastic member of the Glasgow and

District Beekeeper’s Association and has given a lot of his free time for the association’s

benefit. He has been treasurer of our association for the past 5 years and throughout his

tenure has hosted most of our committee meeting in his home.

EMBA - Gordon Jardine

Gordon Jardine has been a member of EMBA (and the ABA) for nine years, joining the

committee in 2013 and taking on the onerous duties of Secretary in 2014, a post which she

still holds. She achieved her SBA Basic Beekeeping certificate in 2015 and has always been a

strong supporter of the EMBA Apiary, participating in the apiary checking schedule and is

always willing to tutor on beginner teaching sessions at the apiary.

2021

ADBKA - Ian Mackley

Aberdeen and District Beekeepers Association would like to nominate Ian Mackley for the

SBA ABA Award. Ian is a highly valued member of the ADBKA Committee and works with a

high level of commitment and energy for the association. He successfully coordinates and

delivers our beginners' course each year, moving over to online teaching for 2020 and

delivering socially distanced demonstrations at our apiary during the summer. A skilled

beekeeper, he is always keen to expand his knowledge through courses and study, freely

sharing his knowledge. Ian has written many and varied articles for both our newsletter and

the SBA magazine.

East of Scotland BKA - Gavin Ramsay

The East of Scotland Beekeepers’ Association committee wish to nominate Dr. Gavin Ramsay

for an Affiliated Association award from the Scottish Beekeepers’ Association.

Gavin has been a beekeeper since the mid-1990’s. He started out with single colony and this

number grew slowly into the 2010’s. Once he retired from the job as a plant geneticist at the

James Hutton Institute it all got out of hand and he is now a bee farmer running over 60

colonies. His apiaries are spread around Tayside and into the Angus Glens.

Gavin has been an ESBA member for around 20 years and during this time served on the

committee and as our President. Gavin has dealt with administrative issues such as updating

our constitution and now helping us change further to a SCIO. He has taken on a leading role

in organising and delivering beginners and improver’s classes over a number of years and has

been extremely generous in passing on his knowledge and in encouraging numerous

members (new and established) to develop or improve skills in the craft. He has had a

profound influence on improving the standard of beekeeping in ESBA with a particular

emphasis on bee health but also in bringing in new approaches such as running workshops

on grafting for example. He was the driving force to establish the Associations apiary where

many members gain experience or take SBA exams. Here he had to win lottery funding to

cover costs of equipment and stock. He has hosted numerous apiary visits for beginners, ESBA

members and also for the general public, and this includes apiary open days and interactions

with primary school pupils. He acts as a mentor every season and is often called on to help

members (or non-members) who run into problems.

East of Scotland BA - Stan Franklin

The East of Scotland Beekeepers’ Association committee wish to nominate Stan Franklin for

an Affiliated Association award from the Scottish Beekeepers’ Association.

Stan, who hails from near Loch Lomond, was introduced to bees by way of a gift of two

colonies from a family acquaintance followed by his father’s instruction to look after them.

This was a different era of course, no varroa but the wet west coast climate to deal with as

Stan learned on the job. Work took over for a while and the bees were put to the side. But

once Stan was established as a Maths teacher in Angus, we believe he was given an ultimatum

by his wife “get rid of the equipment or get bees”. Stan has, since that time run between 10

and 20 colonies and is a valued producer of local honey in the area around Barry and also

exploiting the heather in the Angus Glens. For many years Stan assisted with the Duke of

Edinburgh scheme and at various points this involved helping youngsters and his staff

colleagues to learn about bees.

KDBA - Iain McLaren

Iain McLaren has been a member of the Kilbarchan and District Beekeeping Association for

many years and for longer than the current committee’s knowledge. We feel that Iain

deserves this award due to his unstinting contribution in the promotion and running of the

KDBA Honey Show for over 10 years and also in providing annual wax foundation making

classes, whenever demand arose. Iain now still supports the current KDBA Honey Show

Secretary and has been so helpful while handing over the reins to allow him to ‘retire’

formally from this officer post. In addition, Iain has for many years been unwavering in

being a contact for Swarms and has visited many sites and responded to many calls from the

public and also from other beekeepers needing a hand. It is probably overdue, to have

recognised Iain for his contribution to our beekeeping association and its outputs.

KDBA - Duncan MacGilp
Duncan MacGilp has been a long-standing member of KDBA and has been our Vice
President and President during his time with us. We as a committee feel he is very
deserving of the ABA award and these are some messages of why from a few of us: -
· As a new Secretary, stepping into the very large bee boots of Iain Craig, it was with great
appreciation that Duncan was supportive, and we worked really well together during his
time as President. I would have regular calls about beekeeping business and general
beekeeping chit chat. Duncan is also hugely supportive of providing KDBA with
opportunities to see his lovely apiary at ‘The Drum Estate’, which he did in 2016 and 2017
and on both occasions, we had the hottest days weather of each year and the largest
number of attendances respectively. Duncan too was a KDBA Swarms contact and has
visited many sites and responded to many calls from the public and also from other
beekeepers needing a hand. Last, but not least, he gives the best bear hugs around, is just
generally, a very gentle, nice man that I have the pleasure of knowing and making my
beekeeping experience all the better for it.
Having been in the Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers Association for over 10 years, I have
been struck by the high level of engagement and support given by the more experienced
beekeepers to the novices such as myself. When I joined the club there were several
towering personalities in the group, most noticeably Ian Craig and Peter Stromberg, Ian is
now sadly no longer with us. Tucked in behind them and very self-effacing was Duncan.
His quiet engaging nature and strong sense of surprise and wonder at all matters
concerning bees belied his skill and experience. He was and is a very approachable person
and beekeeper and I have always felt happy to share my frustrations and mistakes with
Duncan and he in turn fosters this aura of being still on that road of learning. He has
always been helpful and prepared to come and visit and see something at my apiary that
concerned or confused me and has always been helpful and thoughtful without any judgement.
Like an older brother who has had a bit more experience, he is very approachable and that is
important in our club with the sudden influx of new members. I think people like Duncan are the
Quiet backbone of our group and I would fully support recognition of this at SBA level.
I find Duncan friendly, always ready to reach out to new members encouraging them in
their beekeeping and participation within the Association. Although an experienced
Beekeeper he is modest, and this engenders a feeling of camaraderie allowing new
members to discuss their experiences and issues they may have. He has also been helpful
in supplying colonies to new members when needed. Apiary visits at Duncan's Apiary have
been a real joy

Lanarkshire Beekeepers Association - Bill Rintoul

For several years, Bill has tutored Lanarkshire Beekeepers Beginners. Bill prepares all the

content in accordance with the SBA Basic Beekeeper syllabus. He produces course booklets

full of sound, up-to-date information, provides relevant teaching resources and materials,

and consistently delivers each course with expertise and good humour. He brings boxes of

tools for the practical frame building sessions, feeders of various types, smokers and

examples of hives. His enthusiasm is tireless and the steady increase in Lanarkshire

membership is testament to quality of his teaching. After attending Bill’s relaxed and

friendly classes, ‘his’ people stick at beekeeping, supporting one another and their

association.

GDBKA - Mhairi Neill

I (Taylor Hood) would like to nominate Mhairi Neill for the Local Association Award. Mhairi

has been the Secretary and librarian for Glasgow and District Beekeepers' Association for

over 7 years. During that time, she has dealt with a great deal of change. She helped

make our Association's Centenary year a great success and in particular the Joint GDBKA

and SBA Beekeepers' convention. She was key in setting up the twinning of Des Abeilles

du Val D’oise in France with GDBA. Mhairi also supports the beginner’s courses for both

Glasgow and Lanarkshire Beekeepers' Associations.

Lanarkshire Beekeepers Association - Taylor Hood

A founder member of Lanarkshire Beekeepers Association, from the start Taylor readily
accepted responsibility for preparing the annual syllabus for members. For several years
he booked speakers from far and wide usually by cornering them in the RHS Honey Tent
enabling members to enjoy a wide range of informative talks at monthly meetings. He
himself, has delivered lively, informative talks on subjects such as microscopy, pollen
analysis, swarm control, and pests and diseases, always keeping a talk up his sleeve in
case of emergencies. He has documented his Lanarkshire adventures with the Stewarton
Hive for readers of the Scottish Beekeeper magazine as well as other beekeeping
publications.
With his affable personality and scientific background Taylor always makes a valued
contribution to beekeeping meetings. He served as President of Lanarkshire, Glasgow and
Clyde Area Beekeepers Associations concurrently, ably handling AGMs, committee
meetings, introducing and thanking speakers with good humour and general aplomb.
During his Glasgow Presidency he oversaw the Centenary year celebrations, including the
visit from Val d-Oise Beekeepers, the SBA Annual Conference at the Royal College of
Surgeons, as well as editing the SBA magazine article by Glasgow Greats Charlie
Irwin, Eric Macarthur and Ian Craig. No mean feat.
GaDBA, LBA, CABA collaborate in recommending Taylor

2022

Kilbarchan and District Beekeepers – Jacqueline Ferguson

Jacqui has been a member of Kilbarchan and District Beekeepers association for around 15 years, she became interested through friends of her family who had been beekeepers and learned her craft mainly form the later Ian Craig. Joining the association when members were in the twenties, she has seen the association grown to over 110 members. During this time Jacqui has been a proactively participative members, always supporting events and evening meetings. In, fact Jacqui’s home apiary in Stewarton, was the very first apiary I visited as a new beekeeper as part of Kilbarchan summer Apiary Visit events, which I remember vividly, after 11 years. In that past 3 years Jacqui has become a committee member, a vice president and then due to the very sad and sudden loss of our president Colin Garrow, she became our President almost 2 years ago. Along with Mary Pollock and myself, Jacqui has been instrumental in KDBA’s mentoring programme, ensuring through the growth of our membership with new beekeepers especially, that we were able to continue mentoring to meet the burgeoning demand, especially with pandemic restrictions in place. Jacqui has been responsible for mentoring at least 10 new beekeepers in the past few years alone and supporting many more existing and more experienced beekeepers. Jacqui, since retiring as a Speech and Language Therapist has also been a key participant of our Swarm contact list, luckily quite lucratively, but not without managing literally hundreds of calls about other pollinators in the past few years.

Jacqui also co-ordinated the sale of Colin Garrow’s beekeeping related estate for the Garrow family, with support of other committee members, and put a huge amount of work into the upkeep of the colonies until there were safely rehomed. As President during a very uncertain and challenging time through the pandemic, Jacqui has shown great commitment in chairing monthly association evening meetings as well as running her own cattery business and with her twin sister Linda and daughter Laura Jane. Jacqui hosted the first face to face Kilbarchan Apiary Day we’ve been able to hold in 2 years, with approximately 30 people in attendance. Along with some other like-minded KDBA beekeepers from the club Jacquilikes to try out new equipment and ways of doing things and can show new beekeepers nearly all the different hives on the market and explain the pros and cons of these. She also has been successfully raising colonies to feed the growing demand from within KDBA and for others in neighbouring associations and this includes queen rearing which she will be demonstrating to the association in the coming months.

We feel that Jacqui not only gives her precious free time to the betterment of our association and its members, but also is a SBA Trustee to boot. We don’t know where she gets the time or the energy! I am sure the SBA Trustees will agree that Jacqui is a much-deserved recipient of the ABA award on behalf of KDBA.

Newbattle Beekeepers Association – Neil Rutherford

Neil Rutherford has been a member of Newbattle Beekeepers Association (NBA) since 2014 and a SBA member since 2015. Neil is considered a prime candidate for nomination of an ABA award to reflect his many achievements and impact on beekeeping education and the development of NBA resources. Having passed the SBA BBC exam with distinction Neil’s passion for beekeeping grew and he shared his expertise and knowledge as a Mentor, over the past 7 years, in the NBA One Year Beginner Beekeeper course, mentoring a beginner beekeeper (Foster Parent) on a 1:1 basis over the course of the beekeeping year, at the end of which the beginner sits the SBA BBC exam. All Neil’s mentees have passed with distinction. While the NBA beginners were catered for there was nothing established to support the programme and allow Beekeepers to continue their learning in any structured way. Neil was part of a group of about a dozen who decided that they would like to start on the SBA Modular Exams. He volunteered to lead the study group for the first module (Module 1), not because he thought he knew more than everyone else but because he felt it would suit his own methods of learning. So the Module Study Group was added to the NBA offering, meeting weekly in the weeks before an exam diet using previous past papers to discuss the detail required to answer future questions. Not all of the group sat the exams, but all learned from attending and seemed to find the sessions enjoyable and thought provoking. Neil was a member of the NBA Steering Group that negotiated a lease on one of the former dilapidated WWII huts in the grounds of the college and contributed to the plans to raise funds and renovate the building, which when completed had one large meeting space, which allowed NBA to focus on its education strategy. Neil was part of the first Education Sub Group that delivered skills workshops, and Beekeeping Taster Days were added to the NBA offering which became more structured. Neil led regular Mentors meetings held to ensure a consistent approach to teaching. Neil became Education Sub Group (ESG) Lead in 2020, and with support from ESG members, developed a deeper and detailed beginner beekeeper curriculum that maximises learning support for the Foster Parents (FP) and the Mentors. Neil engaged with Dalkeith High School (DHS) to include one of their Teachers in the NBA Beginner Course as an FP but on a shorter, fast track programme with a view to him passing his BBC in June 2020 and launch their SQA National 5 Beekeeping certificate from August 2020. With Covid lockdown Neil spearheaded an adjusted approach using zoom meetings to create a new action plan formulated from some agreed priorities including: the FP’s/Mentors and the beginners course; Modules and Certificates; Schools and Further Education and Outreach. Each area was allocated a leader to focus on the agreed actions and ensure their timely completion. Meetings by zoom were short and structured and held approximately every six weeks. The focus and effort made by Neil and this group was outstanding allowing NBA to continue to move forward despite restrictions. Actions focussed on creating a monthly FP Forum by zoom to support the FP’s learning. Each month an experienced beekeeper would lead a session covering that month’s activities using presentations, discussions and break out rooms. The Module Study Group was moved onto Zoom offering a study group for two modules aimed at starting with Module 1 again, so two Module Study Groups ran concurrently. DHS was supported in setting up their Apiary and ensuring they would still be able to start their Nat5 class as planned. Links were established with other SBA affiliated associations to share their/NBA zoom presentations. As the restrictions continued the action plan provided the ability to continue to engage with NBA members and continue with the education commitment. A next set of FP’s were inducted in August 2020 and 19 of 21 FP’s from two years of intakes were examined in June 2021. All passed with distinction. The initiative with DHS and their teacher Mr McGlade continues to excel with Neil at the forefront of support. In its first year six pupils passed their Nat5. In 2021/22 there are more than thirty pupils currently looking forward to being assessed. With Neil’s support DHS also set up an afterschool club for younger pupils with an interest in bees. Again, spearheaded by Neil, NBA has agreed to replicate the assistance provided to DHS with arrangements being put in place to start Musselburgh Grammar School on a similar journey. Neil was also instrumental in NBA starting a Junior Bee Club attended by DHS pupils, which runs weekly in the warmer months and biweekly/monthly over the colder times. Neil was not content with resting on the ESG laurels and has led an ESG working group to create a Bee Improvement Group (BIG) for more experienced NBA members which will dive deeper into the arts and craft of beekeeping, with all participants learning from each other and aiming for further SBA certifications. Neil is an invaluable NBA resource and is well deserved of being awarded an ABA medal.

Newbattle Beekeepers Association – Malcolm Evans

Malcolm Evans has been a member of Newbattle Beekeepers Association (NBA) since 2014 and a SBA member since 2015. Malcolm is considered a prime candidate for nomination of an ABA award to reflect his many achievements and his contribution to the development of NBA resources.Malcolm, along with his wife Annette, was at the forefront of any requests for volunteers for any NBA activity, whether in the NBA Apiary or Apiary cottage in which the beekeeping equipment was stored. In 2016, with the news that NBA had to vacate the Resident Tutor’s apartment at the top of the college of which NBA had the use for members’ meeting for the previous 9 months, he joined the newly set up NBA Steering Group to develop a plan for alternative improved/new NBA premises that would enable wider education opportunities to be offered and provide a better environment for members to meet. Various options were explored and dismissed, and NBA was fortunate to be able to secure a lease on a dilapidated former WWII hut in the grounds of Newbattle Abbey College. Malcolm went into entrepreneurial mode and researched all fundraising opportunities to support the ambitious plan to renovate the hut into a fully functioning Bee Academy. Malcolm spearheaded the partnership with the Chuffed crowd funding platform, which gave NBA the best return for the least cost. Until then none of the Steering Group members had heard of “Perks” or considered having to prepare a promotional video explaining why funds were being requested. https://chuffed.org/project/our-bees-need-you Malcolm engaged businesses to donate significant amounts to the Bee Academy renovation, including supporting the successful application for a Big Lottery Awards for All grant of £10k and managing the budget. Malcolm became an expert ‘scrounger” securing donations in kind as well as monetary donations to grow the pot needed to provide the required facilities. Crowdfunding raised a total of £30,654 against a target of £25,000. Along with several NBA members Malcolm generously donated significant amounts of his time, effort, management and leadership skills to achieve a successful Bee Academy launch day on 17 May 2018 (World bee Day). Malcolm was also a member of the NBA Committee which transitioned into a Board of Trustees on being registered as a SCO charity with OSCR in 2018. He was Treasurer for 3 years and continues to be an active Trustee, and member of the Support Sub Group (SSG). The SSG manages all Bee Academy maintenance and events and supports/facilitates the activities of the Education and Apiary Sub Groups. Malcolm was instrumental in NBA moving away from the now deprecated Group Spaces platform to a dedicated NBA website on the Wild Apricot platform. newbattlebees.org The website is rich in member resource information and is used to manage all NBA daily business including a calendar of events, which Malcolm maintains along with co-ordinating meeting/event numbers for catering/equipment requirement purposes. Malcolm is essentially the NBA Webmaster. He created an online library using Librarika enabling members to borrow or return books in person or via Royal Mail. Malcolm has been responsible for setting up the NBA online shop encouraging the diversity of items on offer from what in the past was restricted to honey and some candles sales. The online shop business expanded during lockdown with restrictions preventing attendance at the likes of the Dalkeith Show and the Newbattle at Christmas Fair. To support sales Malcolm sourced and set up a card reader which has expanded sales due to customer convenience for paying. Malcolm led arrangements for Pop Up Shops that attracted visitors to the college grounds in 2020. With restrictions eased somewhat in 2021 a Pop Up shop was held in the Bee Academy over 2 weekend days which resulted in double takings from the previous year. Malcolm was instrumental in ensuring all covid protocols were in place to provide a safe environment and confident experience for both volunteers and customers. Malcolm also undertakes the role of Bee Academy curator taking care of the physical library, Bee Academy equipment, shop stock, storage area, and setting up the BA for events, even ensuring there is a ready supply of logs for the wood burner, which is always lit on the coldest of days providing a cosy welcome to all visitors. Malcolm has set up the storage area following 5S principles which means it always looks orderly and clean with a place for everything and everything in its place. Malcolm took on the role of Show Officer when NBA held its first ever Honey and Craft Show in December 2021, which was restricted to members. He set up all stands, managed all submissions and ensured all entries were displayed correctly. He prepared certificates, sourced rosettes and managed the points awarded by the Judges to identify NBA cup winners. The experience provided confidence to open the planned 2022 Honey and Craft Show to all. As the reliance on technology progressed during lockdown Malcolm set up and ICT working group that reviewed technology improvements and solutions. The group has set up a weather station for members to check online prior to making any visits to the apiary. The purchase and set up of a defibrillator are also in progress. This will be located at the apiary cottage and will be accessible to the neighbouring Business Park residents. It’s almost impossible to capture all that Malcolm contributes to the smooth operation and success of NBA today. Malcolm is an invaluable NBA resource and is well deserved of being awarded an ABA medal.

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