Kilgraston’s Beekeeping Society
As we celebrate World Bee Day, Kilgraston’s Beekeeping Society had their first hive inspection of the newly installed Kilgraston apiary.
Until now, the hives have been kept sealed to ensure the colonies are settled and warm. Science technician and qualified bee-keeper, Mrs Blackler together with Steve Fulton, former president of the Perthshire Beekeeping Society, instructed the society members on what to look for in the hives and to check for brood (baby bees) and that the queen bee was laying eggs.
In the next session, they will look to identify the Queens and mark them.
Duke of Edinburgh experience at Kilgraston
Duke of Edinburgh, while a tough experience was something I will remember forever. It made me realise just how resourceful I could be and how valuable a good team is! I will also remember the amazing memories with the girls, while it was difficult, it was also really fun.
Of course, it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine (although we did see a double rainbow and lots of sun at the end of day two), The laughs while walking up hills out of breath and my wet sleeping bag (make sure to put everything in dry bags) were worth it. It also tested my cooking skills, as I managed to make a stir fry for lunch on day two consisting of pepper and spinach.
I will definitely use the skills that I learnt from Duke of Edinburgh, such as patience, medical skills (like the use of blister plasters) and how to have an amazing time in the most unlikely circumstances.
On day one we were all really discouraged at the start because we went the wrong way, only to fix it and loose a member of our team to injury, however by the end of our bronze expedition we got to see a double rainbow, and a group of extremely aggressive sheep who definitely did not want us there.
Overall, Duke of Edinburgh was worth all the hardships, and you can be sure I am doing silver next year!
Aine, Lower Fifth
Kilgraston Botanical Society
The Botanical Society are delighted be back this year. The girls have propagated a range of plants in the flower beds including roses, calendular, raspberries, marshmallow and lavender, together with tomato plants in the green house. The intention is to turn these botanicals into a range of beauty and confectionery products. We have already practiced making botanical candles, using bees wax.
Watch out for our stall at the upcoming Spring fair. Our future projects include establishing a Kilgraston Apiary - we have already practised making honey comb frames. This would be in conjunction with an our outdoor classroom including wild flower and a wildlife pond.
Find out more about the other clubs and activities on offer at Kilgraston.