Four hives containing approximately 60,000 bees have been stolen from a farm in Aberdeenshire.
The insects were taken from the premises in Blackhills, near Peterhead at some point between Saturday and Tuesday.
David Morland, chairman of the Aberdeen and District Beekeepers’ Association, said he believes another beekeeper carried out the crime, because it would have taken expert knowledge to remove them.
The owner of the farm, Erling Watt, plans to launch a honey-making business when he retires from his job as a prison officer.
Mr Watt believes that that the bees were probably taken on Tuesday.
Mr Watt told The Scottish Sun: “When I came in, the gate had been left open. There was a lot of heavy rain and it looked like there were fresh tyre tracks too.
“It is not something any normal thief would come and take. They were really strong colonies and were getting ready for winter.
“I was hoping to use the hives to produce honey so I can sell it at local markets. It is meant to be a sideline for me after I retire.
“The value of the hives and bees is about £700, but a lot of man hours have been put in as well.”
Police constable Markus Al-Khalidi said: “We are appealing for witnesses following the theft of beehives from the Blackhills area of Peterhead between Saturday, 15 September and Tuesday, 18 September.
