Edinburgh Honey Co's bee hives vandalised in alleged attack

Hives belonging to an Edinburgh beekeeper were kicked over and broken in an alleged attack at his apiary.

Edinburgh Honey Co's hives knocked over and broken in alleged attack picture: Edinburgh Honey Co

Andy Zalewski, who founded Edinburgh Honey Co with his partner Marta Kozlowska, was horrified to receive a phone call about his bees being disturbed by potential vandals last week.

After being alerted to the damage he found one of his hives had been stabbed by a large piece of wood and several had been knocked over at the apiary on top of Falkland Hill.

"For no reason someone decided to damage our hives and endanger our little bees,” he said.

"Whoever did it is a complete idiot for doing such a thing.”

Mr Zalewski said the damage will have caused the bees some stress, but fortunately none of the colony were physically damaged.

"Thanks to their bravery the damage was minimal as I assume whoever did this got stung a lot.”

The bees have since been moved to their spring residence at the apple orchard in the Stewardship of Falkland.

Customers and friends of the honey business were quick to show their support on social media for the beekeeper and criticised those responsible for the alleged attack.

Linda McDonald commented on the company’s Facebook page saying: “Why would anyone do this? It seems that mindless acts of vandalism are on the increase, stiffer penalties are required.”

Lorraine Baxter-McPhie said: “This is shocking Andrew. Absolutely vile."

Others were quick to wish the bees well in their new home.

Doreen Morici said: “This is awful. Hopefully the bees are okay and the hives will be restored.”

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