Perthshire-based single malt whisky liqueur Bruadar has partnered with local beekeepers Denrosa Apiaries to release a new "Beekeeping Support Toolkit" ahead of World Bee Day on May 20. The initiative encourages people across Scotland to take practical steps to support pollinators and local biodiversity.
Bruadar is produced at Aberargie Distillery by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. Denrosa Apiaries manages hives on-site at the distillery and produces the honey used in the liqueur.
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The toolkit launch follows a reported surge in beekeeping-related searches across social media and online platforms. Denrosa’s bees forage the surrounding Perthshire landscape near the distillery, with the local environment directly influencing the flavor and character of the honey.
Helen McGregor of Denrosa Apiaries, whose family has been involved in beekeeping since her grandfather founded the company in the 1940s, said the partnership raises awareness of the importance of bees.
"Working with Aberargie Distillery really demonstrates true collaborative working," said McGregor. "We can have bees working the land onsite, and in return producing honey for the distillery. Also, both being family-run businesses is good, and it’s been a way of life for us for a long time."
According to Scottish Government figures, more than 3,000 registered beekeepers now care for over 40,000 colonies across Scotland. However, changing weather patterns and habitat loss continue to challenge pollinators.
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"The seasons are definitely changing, which is challenging for beekeepers," McGregor explained. "The weather is crucial in beekeeping, like all aspects of agriculture, and we see a changing climate presents more challenges for us."
She urged consumers to take simple actions. "People can help by planting bee-friendly flowers and having wild areas with forage for bees," she said. "There are not only honeybees, but lots of varieties of wild bees that all benefit from being given the right environment to thrive in."
McGregor also highlighted the connection between local honey and provenance. "The bees will only fly up to three miles, so you know the honey they make is right from where the hives are located," she said.
Rebecca Davidson, junior brand manager at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, said: "We’ve worked with Helen and the team at Denrosa Apiaries for the last three years and have seen firsthand how supporting local ecosystems has a direct impact on the environment."
"Through our new beekeeping toolkit, we wanted to create something practical and accessible that encourages people to take small steps which can collectively make a big difference," Davidson added.
The toolkit is available to download via Bruadar’s website.
