The Beekeeping Year
East Lothian Beekeepers Association holds beginner classes every year. The classes cover the theoretical and practical basics of beekeeping and give a solid grounding for the new beekeeper.
During the active season, members are encouraged to host an open day at their apiary to which all members are invited. These prove to be both informative and enjoyable.
During the winter months, the association runs a series of talks and lectures given by invited speakers. Our events page has further details. Members are on the mailing list, so do check for updates.
Beekeeping Taster Day
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Location: Cockenzie House gardens
Time: 10am – 4pm.
What to Expect:
- Get up close with a real working hive under the guidance of experienced ELBKA beekeepers.
- Learn the basics of bee behaviour, hive structure, and seasonal beekeeping tasks.
- Try your hand at inspecting frames and spotting the queen
- Ask questions, handle equipment, and find out if beekeeping is right for you
Whether you’re ready to start a new hobby or just want a unique, nature-filled day out, this taster session offers a rare look into the secret life of honeybees.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, curious minds, and anyone considering taking up beekeeping
Feedback from past attendees:
“Absolutely brilliant! I learned so much and loved getting into a suit and seeing inside the hive. Highly recommend.”
“The tutors were fantastic—patient, knowledgeable, and passionate. I feel inspired to learn more!”
Spaces are limited to keep the experience personal and safe. Book now to secure your spot before it fills up. The cost for the day is £50, to include a light lunch and refreshments on arrival and during the day.
We’d love to welcome you to the world of bees.
February 2027
Introduction To Beekeeping
EMAIL us to go on the waiting list
The course is designed for those interested in bees and beekeeping and
will provide information on the fascinating world of honeybees. It will
be held over six weeks starting on Wednesday, 18th Feb 2026. The course will be held in The Fraser Centre, Tranent, on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. The course fee includes one year membership of the
East Lothian Beekeepers’ Association.
Summary:
Week 1. Introduction: what is a honeybee? Origins of bees; history of beekeeping, honey hunting, skeps, Langstroth; importance of beekeeping
Week 2. The colony; the queen, workers and drones; division of work within the hive; individual life cycles; pollination, nectar and honey; local forage crops
Week 3. The Hive; hive components; brood box; supers; different types of hive; practical: making frames
Week 4. The beekeeping year: preparation for winter; spring management and inspections; summer buildup; harvesting honey; wax, propolis, and pollen; selling honey.
Week 5. Pests and Diseases: pests; brood diseases; adult bee diseases; varroa, and statutory requirements
Week 6. Swarms and the reason for swarming (causes, natural history, primary and casts); swarm control; swarm collection
After the course
Practical beekeeping demonstrations will be held in May 2026, weather permitting.
March 2025
Introduction To Beekeeping
The course is designed for those interested in bees and beekeeping and
will provide information on the fascinating world of honey bees. It will
be held over six weeks starting on Wednesday 5th March 2025. The
course will be held in The Fraser Centre, Tranent, on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. The course fee includes one year membership of the
East Lothian Beekeepers’ Association.
Summary:
Week 1. Introduction; what is a honeybee, origins of bees; history of beekeeping, honey hunting, skeps, Langstroth; importance of beekeeping
Week 2. The colony; the queen, workers and drones; division of work within the hive; individual life cycles; pollination, nectar and honey; local forage crops
Week 3. The Hive; hive components; brood box; supers; different types of hive; practical: making frames
Week 4. The beekeeping year; preparation for winter; spring management, inspections, summer build up; harvesting honey; wax, propolis and pollen; selling honey.
Week 5. Pests and Diseases; pests; brood diseases; adult bee diseases; varroa; statutory requirements
Week 6. Swarms and the reason for swarming (causes, natural history, primary and casts); swarm control; swarm collection
After the course
Practical beekeeping demonstrations will be held in May 2024, weather permitting.
May 2025
Practical Beekeeping For Beginners
The course is suitable for complete beginners and those who have recently acquired a colony but have yet to attend a course in beekeeping. The general ethos of the course is to introduce the theory elements as an integral part of the practical sessions. Whenever possible, each weekly session will be held outside in the apiary. Course includes association membership
If you have booked the March course, please do not book this course.
Summary:
Syllabus: Bees are wild, unpredictable creatures, and it is hard to predict in advance which set of challenges the bees will present on a week-by-week basis.
As a result the course will cover the following topics, but in no particular order:-
- Types of beehive, hive components, making of frames, beekeeping equipment
- The colony: queen, workers, drones, their life cycle and functions
- Products of the hive: honey, wax, pollen and propolis
- Swarming; reasons, primes and casts, swarm collection and hiving
- Swarm control; the 7 day inspection
- Swarm management; horizontal and vertical splits, nukes
- Pests and diseases
- Processing the crop