SEVERAL thousand bees were stolen from historic Newhailes Estate, Musselburgh, at the weekend.
One of the hives in a small apiary on the estate was damaged and a box called a nuc was taken.
The box, pictured below, had several thousand bees in it.
The theft was discovered on Saturday morning and it is believed that it happened on Friday.
A spokesman for the National Trust for Scotland, which runs Newhailes House and grounds, said: "Not only is the theft and damage caused unacceptable, it was an especially brainless thing to do.
"Bees are a vital part of natural ecosystems but when stressed will attack – the person responsible could have been badly stung."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm that officers have received a report of the theft of a beehive in the Musselburgh area, which is believed to have taken place on Friday, June 18.
"Enquiries into the matter are at an early stage."
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