In a novel approach to sustainability, Amazon’s Dunfermline fulfilment centre has introduced beehives to its premises, thanks to the expertise of one of its own employees.
Ross Main, an Inbound Support Specialist at the facility, has brought his passion for beekeeping to his workplace, collaborating with Amazon’s sustainability team to establish apiaries on-site.
Main’s journey into apiculture began nearly ten years ago, inspired by his late grandfather’s beekeeping endeavours in Dunbar.
Following his grandfather’s passing in 2014, Main discovered a small colony at the old Dunbar site, igniting his own interest in the craft.
Through self-study and hands-on experience, he expanded his apiaries across the North East of Scotland, eventually launching his own business, Main’s Apiaries, in 2021.
Main said: “I’ll always be grateful to my grandad for introducing me to beekeeping. Bees play an essential role in our ecosystem, and it’s been an honour to care for them and boost the buzzing wildlife around Dunfermline. I’m over the moon that the Amazon has given me the opportunity to bring my passion into the workplace.”
Thanks to Main, the initiative at Amazon Dunfermline now boasts four beehives, contributing to the local ecosystem’s health by aiding plant pollination and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Ross is a great asset to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline, and we want to say thank you for the beehives and for educating us on how to keep bees. The work Ross has done for the community is very beneficial to the ecosystem and we couldn’t be prouder of his efforts.”
This project aligns with Amazon’s broader community support efforts, which include educational programmes, logistics assistance for charitable organisations, and partnerships with initiatives like Magic Breakfast and Comic Relief.
Main’s Apiaries not only produces locally sourced honey but also offers family-friendly beekeeping experiences, allowing the public to learn about honey production firsthand.
This unique blend of personal passion and corporate responsibility showcases how individual expertise can foster innovative sustainability practices in large-scale operations.
