A man who died after being struck by a falling tree during Storm Boelo has been named locally as Richard Baines.
The 60-year-old had been walking in Mid Kelton near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway when the tragedy took place at 10.30am on Sunday. He died at the scene.
He is understood to be the sole fatality of the extreme weather conditions in Scotland.
Colleagues pay tribute to 'passionate plantsman'
Richard worked as a plant expert at Logan Botanic Garden near Stranraer. Colleagues say he will be "deeply" missed.
Director of horticulture David Knott said: "Richard Baines, the curator of Logan Botanic Garden, sadly passed away on Sunday, October 25, during Storm Boelo, after a tragic accident while walking near his home. He was primarily responsible for a number of significant developments and initiatives at Logan including the first 'all green' public conservatory powered by green energy in the U.K.
"During his tenure, Logan also successfully gained a number of accolades, including being voted the 'Best Garden in the U.K.' by Which in 2021. Logan was also the first garden in Scotland to gain gold for Green Business Tourism award and install vehicle electric charging points, culminating in Logan being awarded 5 Star status as a Visitor Attraction by VisitScotland.
Legacy of plant collection expansion
"It will, however, be for his passion and enthusiasm for plants that he will be remembered through significantly increasing and expanding the plant collection at Logan, participating and leading fieldwork in China, Canary Islands and Vietnam from which seven plant species are currently being published that are new to science.
"Richard's contribution as an enthusiastic plantsman and Curator at Logan and to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's wider work and culture, has been immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed by many."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware of a 60-year-old man having been struck by a falling tree on a minor road at Mid Kelton near Castle Douglas around 10.30am on Sunday, 25 October, 2026. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course."
