A garage mechanic who has been repairing and servicing cars for more than three decades has been enjoying the success of a side hustle that has become a hive of industry in its own right.
Ian Anderson runs Alves Autos at Kinloss with his wife Wendy and son Roy offering MoTs, servicing and repairs on cars and light commercials, since 1992.
Back when Covid put the brakes on his business, he turned to his hobby of beekeeping to keep himself busy.
Ian takes up the story: “I was first involved with bees in the late 60s watching a beekeeper at our family farm and was always fascinated by them. Then a good few years ago I bought two hives of my own and have progressed from there.”
Both businesses buzzing
His garage business is buzzing again, and Alves Apiary has gone from strength to strength.
“I split my time between MoT testing and bees. I now have 142 colonies.”
“Cars have advanced so much in my time. Back in my day, the Morris 1000 was still a popular car. Its the advance in electronics and emissions that have changed a lot.”
Ian said his son Roy manages the day-to-day running of the garage: “He is the man to speak to if you need a service or repair, or anything that needs plugged into a computer!”
He explained how bees operate on three cycles a year, and between himself and his wife have made up a separate business producing honey and beeswax candles.
“The bees make lots of honey. We start the year on oilseed rape honey which we churn in a special machine to make soft set honey which is very good on toast.
“Next we let the bees collect nectar from the wildflowers and whatever other nectar they find to make blossom honey.
“Then near the end of July we shift the bees to the heather hills to make ling heather honey.”
His wife Wendy makes candles, lip balms, soaps, melts, polish, dubbing and paw wax for dogs and cats.
To order any of the products, contact Ian or Wendy by phone on 07836 601408 or email iananderson195@btinternet.com




Alves Apiary products can bought at:
- Woodside Farm Coffee Shop and Toy Shop, Kinloss
- Gallery 55, high street, Forres
- Brodie Countryfare
- Allarburn Farm Shop, Elgin
- The Bakehouse, Findhorn
- Budgens (Bishopmill Filling Station), Elgin
- Also on line at Bigbarn.co.uk/producer/Elgin/Alves-Apiary-29285