The Scottish Government issued a consultation on a possible reserve for native honeybees on Colonsay back in February. The consultation went to the SBA, the BFA, various nature conservation organisations, and at least some local beekeeping associations in Scotland.

The consultation closes on 12 April, so if your local association hasn't yet responded you may like to have some discussion on this locally.

The document issued with the consultation email is here, and the email text is below.

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Sent: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 2:04 PM
Subject: Scottish Government proposal for an Apis mellifera mellifera reserve on Colonsay

Good afternoon

The Scottish Government is proposing to create a reserve for Apis mellifera mellifera (Black bee) on Colonsay.

This issue was discussed during the passage of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) 2011 Act and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change stated that the protection of the Colonsay bees would be considered as a matter of priority following the coming into force of that legislation.

We are now seeking views on the proposal. The process and deadline for submitting your views in included in the paper.

Regards

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[responsible official]
Wildlife and Protected Areas | Natural Resources Division | Directorate for Environment and Forestry
The Scottish Government | 1-D North | Victoria Quay | Edinburgh | EH6 6QQ | T: 0131 244 6544
www.scotland.gov.uk/nonnativespecies