Go Team Scotland !!!
We’re absolutely buzzing to let you know Team Scotland have just returned from the 10th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) in Slovakia and can proudly announce that one of our young beekeepers, Martin Leahy, aged 15 from Tarland Bee Group near Aberdeen has been crowned champion of the world, winning best international young beekeeper! Well done Martin!!
Over 30 countries were represented at this international competition including Australia, Canada, Russia, Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Denmark, Italy, France, Ireland, Wales, Ulster and England. Several of these teams had hundred applicants for a team place, so hosted regional and then national heats.
Each country takes a team of 3 young people and they are put into mixed nation teams, so 16 teams competed. Not only did we win first in the individual competition, but we are also delighted to say Martin was part of the international team who came 2nd and another of our team, Jaimee Kirk, aged 13 from Annan Academy Bee Club, was in the international team who came 3rd. Our third team member, Emily Oakes, aged 14 is also from Annan Academy Bee Club. Overall Team Scotland came 7th.
Well done to Martin, Emily and Jaimee, this is a truly proud moment for Scotland and the Scottish Beekeeping community. It’s not very often we can say Scotland came 1st, 2nd and 3rd!!
A huge thank you goes to the parents, the team leaders, Tarland Bee Group, Annan Academy Bee Club and to the team sponsors. We would also like to thank all of you, for supporting and encouraging beekeepers of all ages in your local areas all year round. What a fantastic achievement for such a small nation!