Wednesday August 12th 2026
Jim 'The Bee Man' at The Hive in Dalkeith Country Park
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A third-generation beekeeper who has spent an incredible 80 years caring for honey bees has celebrated his 90th birthday at Restoration Yard – and is continuing to share his passion for bees with visitors at Dalkeith Country Park.
Affectionately known as “The Bee Man”, Jim first began helping his father with the family’s hives when he was just nine or ten years old. Eight decades later, his fascination with bees shows no sign of fading. Jim recently celebrated his 90th birthday with friends, family and members of the Dalkeith Country Park team at Restoration Yard, marking a remarkable lifetime dedicated to beekeeping.
His latest project is helping visitors discover the fascinating world of honey bees through the Park’s glass observation hive, which has been home to a new colony since the beginning of July. The Hive offers visitors a unique opportunity to watch honey bees at work up close and learn more about their behaviour, communication and vital role in the environment.
Despite eight decades of experience, Jim says there is always more to learn.
“There’s always something new. The climate’s changing, and we’re always learning.”
Over his lifetime, Jim has witnessed significant changes in the way honey bees live and behave in Scotland, including the impact of changing weather patterns. His decades of experience have given him a unique insight into the lives of honey bees, from how they adapt to their surroundings to the ways they communicate and work together as a colony.
Visitors can see some of this fascinating behaviour for themselves at Dalkeith Country Park’s glass observation hive, which has been home to a new colony since the beginning of July. While a full hive can contain between 50,000 and 60,000 bees, the observation hive accommodates a much smaller number, allowing visitors to get a closer look at the colony at work.
So, after 80 years, what keeps Jim fascinated by bees?
“I just like working with them. It’s a passion that has lasted a lifetime, passed down through three generations, and one that will now help Dalkeith Country Park visitors connect with the extraordinary world of honey bees.”
With its extensive landscape and variety of flowering plants, Dalkeith Country Park provides an important habitat and food source for honey bees throughout the season. Visitors may also be lucky enough to take home a jar of Dalkeith Country Park honey, produced in limited quantities and available from The Store at Restoration Yard, just a two-minute walk from The Hive.
The glass observation hive is located at the entrance to Fort Douglas Adventure Playground at Dalkeith Country Park, making it a great addition to a day out in the Park. Free to visit, The Hive offers a fascinating learning experience for children and adults alike, giving visitors the chance to see honey bees at work up close and discover more about these incredible insects.
Open daily from 9am – 5pm, visitors can stop by The Hive before or after exploring Fort Douglas and enjoy a unique glimpse into the world of honey bees.
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