Heather started keeping bees in 1970 when a local beekeeper sadly passed away and his wife wanted the bees gone. Heather being an accommodating person took them in and a home for the three hives were found. In 1979 the hives of bees were on Eddie’s land in Porteath. Eddie became fascinated during those warm summer afternoons watching the bees buzzing back and forth bringing in the different pollen
. However, there were the odd occasions when Eddie would get a little too inquisitive which often resulted in a sting to the nose! Not discouraged by any nasal discomfort Eddie decided he wanted his own hives and the following year both Heather and Eddie started to increase their hives making nuclei and selling honey at the door. In 1987 they started a little shop underneath Porteath farmhouse calling themselves Porteath Bee Supplies, selling a range of bee supply equipment and making their own polishes and candles. Two years later the Porteath Bee Centrewas built and the following year opened the Living Honey Bee Exhibition. In 1993 the shop was extended and in 1995 the Beehive Tearoom was opened where morning coffee and cream teas are now served.
