AN Edinburgh hotel has partnered with a Scottish honey-producing firm to put beehives on its roof with over 20,000 bees now taking up residency on the hotel.
Eden Locke Hotel in George Street has partnered with Webster Honey, which means the hotel can sell its own honey.
Webster Honey gives colonies of bees out to businesses and schools, where the company teaches students about the life cycle of bees.
The schools and businesses can take care of the bees and are able to use their honey for a year or more.
“We are delighted to secure our first hotel in Edinburgh.” Said Managing Director of Webster Honey, Daniel Webster.
“Locke is a fantastic brand to work with, with an excellent food provenance at its heart which I’m confident our honey will enhance.
“Hives can be sited anywhere, you don’t have to be out in the country to have bees, as we already have a hive on a roof at a nursery in Edinburgh.
“Roofs are a great and very safe place in which to put a hive and these ones will enjoy a spectacular view of Edinburgh, not that the bees will notice, they will be far too busy, but it will certainly be nice for Meik, our beekeeper!”
Daniel adds: “Let’s hope for another Summer of fine weather as last year our bees did really well with the warm Spring and less pollution due to lockdown.
“The lockdowns have prevented us from being able to do much engagement with any of our customers who were hosting hives for us. We would love it if now we are able to get back to doing that, as it adds so much to the overall hosting experience.
“Meik goes regularly round all of his hives to carry out all checks on the hives and make sure the bees are flourishing.”
The Webster Honey beekeeper Meik Molitor takes care of the bees and teaches people about bee care.
Jamie Mackie, General Manager at Eden Locke, said: “It’s been so exciting to have the four hives positioned today and filled with over 20,000 bees.
“We are thrilled to partner with Webster Honey and provide a safe new home for bees at Eden Locke, where they can thrive.
“Across all our locations, Locke works with local partners that are passionate about what they do and can provide interactions that transform guests’ stays with us into truly memorable experiences.
“We’ve no doubt that our guests will enjoy sampling some homemade honey, while learning about the important role bees play in our environment – and if they’re lucky, even catch Meik for a chat!”
This is the second time that Webster Honey has partnered with a hotel. Before partnering with Eden Locke, they partnered with Monachlye Mohr Hotel near Lochearnhead.
