'Mining bee' unearthed on islands

Experts are working to conserve the northern colletes bee

A rare bee which burrows underground to hide its honey has been found on an RSPB Scotland reserve on North Uist.

Two colonies of the northern colletes bees were discovered on the Balranald reserve by the RSPB warden for the Uists, Jamie Boyle.

It is believed to be the furthest north that the variety of the "mining" bee, which is mainly found in the outer Hebrides, has been seen.

Mr Boyle said the discovery was "really encouraging".

The bee favours sandy banks and dunes, covered in herb-rich meadows.

To find another colony this far north on the island is really encouraging Jamie Boyle RSPB warden

It is one of the species listed on the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and one that environmentalists are working hard to conserve.

"This is really exciting news," said Mr Boyle.

"Three years ago I was delighted to find a colony at the south end of North Uist, but that was obliterated by the storms earlier this year when the habitat of the bees was just washed away.

"To find another colony this far north on the island is really encouraging."

He admitted it was hard to say why the colony of bees had been discovered so far north.

Rare bees

"Claims that it could be linked to climate change would be pure speculation and it's probably got nothing to do with it.

"But I think we can conclude that the presence of such rare bees - along with the other rarities we've seen this year on the reserve - is a testament to the biodiversity of the area and the unspoilt nature of this magnificent part of Scotland."

There have also been sightings of snowy owls, a spotted crake and a gyrfalcon on the Balranald reserve this year.