The event takes place on Thursday, April 16 at 7.15pm in Rhu Parish Church, when the Helensburgh and District Beekeeping Association will conduct short presentations on the life of the honeybee, how to look after honeybees, and the equipment needed. They will also host a question and answer session.

Attendees will have the opportunity to put their new skills into practice the following weekend on Saturday, April 18, when visitors can visit a beekeeping apiary, open up and inspect hives and honeybees under the supervision of expert beekeepers. All equipment will be provided and attendees are asked to bring their own wellington boots.

Mike Thornley, newly elected president of the Helensburgh and District Beekeeping Association, encouraged residents to get involved and become a beekeeper for a day.

He said: “The purpose of this event is to provide the experience of beekeeping with no strings (or stings) attached. There is much interest in bees and beekeeping but many people are not sure how to get started and would like the chance to see if they are suited to and what is involved in this fascinating hobby.” The popular annual event was such a success last year that the association organised a full training course last spring for a number of new members.

Cameron Macallum, sectretary, said: “We’re looking for anyone who’s interested to come along on Thursday night, when we’’ll explain what we’re going to do for the Saturday visit. We use the apiary for training and bee breeding.

Helensburgh and District Beekeepers Association (HDBA) was formed in 1990 and meet monthly in Rhu Parish church hall. The association enjoy regular visits from experts in this field as well as a number of social events including an autumn barbeque and end of season dinner.

Register your interest by emailing info@helensburghbees.com.