My 2 Cents, maybe it will give others additional ideas for grounds for the proposal:
a) Do you agree that the Amm population on Colonsay should be protected?
Yes all native stock that is disease free and varroa free should be protected as a matter of urgency and security for certain food production (in case of bee stock decimation on the mainland)
c) Do you think that the proposal goes far enough/too far?
I think that the proposal is appropriate but overlooks ‘varroa free’ potential of the current populations
d) Should the proposal go further? For example by restricting the sale or advertising for sale of honey bees on Colonsay or requiring the reporting of non-Amm honey bees if they are seen on Colonsay.
Reporting of non Amm bees might not be practical as most people have difficulty telling the difference. It would be well worth considering addressing the risk of feeding bees honey not from Colonsay – honey can contain foulbrood spores, and outbreak of which could decimate the population. This should be extended to used bee equipment (tools, boxes, frames, and brooded built up foundation.
e) Do you think that the proposal would affect businesses? Yes, positively.
If so – what types of business and what effect would you envisage?
There is demand for purebred AMM bees throughout Europe; Colonsay could become a leading exporter to this market if queen breeders were active in this. Pricesfor AMM Queens range from 30-75 Pounds
f) Do you think that the proposal would affect individuals? Yes (beekeepers positively, otherwise no)
If so – what types of people and what effect would you envisage?
Beekeepers on the island could profit from the designation when selling their queens or nucs, also beekeepers and the farmers that rely on their bees throughout UK and further afield could profit from this isolated purebred, disease free population in case of a die out such as the Isle of Wight Disease (Acarine (Tracheal) mites) 1904.