Meet Scotland’s honeybee health advisor

WE welcome Lorraine Johnston, the SRUC’s honeybee health advisor, who will be contributing an occasional column about bees. She wrote this introductory piece about herself and her work:

“HELLO, I’m Lorraine and I’ve been in this role for three years.

Based at the Barony campus in Dumfries, I cover the whole of Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s ten-year Honeybee Health Strategy.

“My mission? Healthy bees, informed beekeepers. I work with everyone from bee farmers and hobbyists to crofters and smallholders, offering advice, training, and resources to keep colonies thriving.

“I’m part of the Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP)—a team that includes the Scottish Government, SGRPID inspectors, SASA (for disease testing), SRUC, NatureScot, the Bee Farmers Association, and the Scottish Beekeepers Association. Together, we tackle challenges like pests, diseases, and emerging threats such as the yellow-legged hornet.”

What’s happening this season?

Bee Health Days – This year’s event will be in Inverness.

Pollinator event – at the Barony on 27 February.

A new beekeeping website is launching soon with fresh resources.

Also, check out the Varroa Learning Package and SRUC podcasts for practical tips.

Lorraine added: “I also mentor Scotland’s nine bee inspectors, attend inspections, and deliver talks to local associations. Plus, I advise farmers through the Farm Advisory Service on biodiversity and habitat management.”

She encourages anyone thinking about beekeeping to get in touch and said: “Local groups like the South of Scotland Beekeepers Association and Western Galloway Beekeepers offer courses and support. But remember—beekeeping isn’t for everyone.

“Honeybees aren’t endangered, so the best way to help pollinators is simple: plant more forage—wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. I’ll share planting tips in my next article.”

• Contact Lorraine via email at [email protected]

To read the Honeybee Health Strategy, go to www.gov.scot/publications/honey-bee-health-strategy-2022-2032/