BEES across Scotland have been undergoing a health check after the worst season for commercial beekeepers in living memory.
Inspections and tests have been taking place throughout the country as part of the nation's first-ever bee health survey.
The research results will be published in 2013 and will hopefully give an insight into the health of the insects, which will be used to inform decisions on how to deal with diseases, pests and other threats.
Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "Bees have a vital role to play in our ecosystem – not just because they produce honey and other products but because of their valuable contribution to the pollination of many crops and wild plants.
"Bees can also be an early warning system for other problems which may be developing in our environment.
"That's why it's important that we monitor bee health and ensure our bees stay healthy, particularly as they are susceptible to a wide variety of threats."
The research has been welcomed by the nation's bee farmers.
Margaret Ginman from the Bee Farmers' Association of the UK said the organisation appreciated the opportunity for its members to take part in the survey and was eagerly awaiting publication of the results in 2013.
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