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Publication - Strategy/plan

Scotland’s Honey Bee Health Strategy: implementation plan

Last updated
8 September 2026 - see all updates
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Farming and rural

Details of the actions which the Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) will deliver in order to achieve the desired outcomes for honey bee health in Scotland.

Part of

Pillar 5 - ongoing review of the regulatory framework 

The BHIP will work in partnership with the Scottish Government to ensure that the legislative framework and enforcement powers are adequate for the achievement of the objectives of the honey bee health strategy.

Action (SMART)

Owner/lead

Priority

Progress/achievements

5.1: Investigate the process and surveillance requirements to legislate officially free Varroa areas in Scotland.

SG-Policy

Varroa WG

Longer-term

None.

5.2: Compliance with the EU Animal Health Law: Review of possible compulsory registration of beekeepers in Scotland (supporting effective disease control measures by identifying potential contact colonies easily).

SG-Policy

BHIP

Longer-term

 

SG-Policy are pulling together information, including the legal powers available, to initiate a discussion with the Minister about developing proposals for consulting the beekeeping community and public about compulsory registration of beekeepers in Scotland.

5.3:  Consideration with stakeholders to establish if there is a need or a will for enhanced regulation and enforcement

(e.g. the introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices for those failing to report honey bee health notifiable diseases, non-compliance of standstill notices, obstructing access or intentionally carrying out any other illegal activities which might pose a risk to bee health in Scotland.

SG-Policy

SG-Delivery

Longer-term

 

Following the introduction of powers under the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020, a fixed penalty notice scheme for certain animal and bee health offences was established through the Animal Health Fixed Penalty Notice (Scotland) Regulations 2026.

 

Contact

Email: Bees_mailbox@gov.scot

First published
30 June 2022
Last updated
8 September 2026 - show all updates

  1. All pages updated.

  2. Updated to reflect May's meeting of BHIP.

  3. Updated to reflect February's meeting of BHIP.

  4. Updated to reflect November meeting of BHIP and added completed actions section.

  5. Updated to reflect August meeting of BHIP.

  6. Updated following meeting on 12 December 2023.

  7. HTML and PDF updated following meeting held on 31 August 2023.

  8. HTML and PDF updated following meeting held on 9 May 2023.

  9. Html and pdf updated following meeting held on 14 February 2023.

  10. Pdf updated to correct version matching html.

  11. Updates to all pages and supporting documents.

  12. Updates throughout following meeting of the Bee Health Improvement Partnership on 23 August 2022. Longer term goals page added. Pdf updated.

  13. Updated supporting document.

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