William Wilson Smith

摘要

WILLIE Smith of Innerleithen is, without doubt, Peeblesshire BKA's most famous member as well as being one of Scotland's first successful commercial beekeepers. He was born on 25th February, 1890, at Gatehouse, St. Mary's Mount, Peebles and baptized in Manor Kirk in April of that year. After service as a despatch rider in the First World War he was employed as a chauffeur by Mr. Ballantyne, a well-known mill owner in Walkerburn. During his spare time he took up beekeeping. His hobby became a very successful sideline, and, encouraged by Mr. Ballantyne, he slowly built up his colonies. In 1933 he was running about 50 colonies and by 1945 he had expanded to 150 colonies and was obviously making a good living as he was able to run his own motor car - quite unusual at that time. The number plate of his car was DS 1819; by 1950 he was also running an old blue van-DS 1879.