Richard Baines, the 60-year-old curator of Logan Botanic Garden, has been named as the man who died after being struck by a falling tree during Storm Boelo in Dumfries and Galloway.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Baines, who was described by colleagues as a passionate plantsman. The storm brought 84mph gusts and a third of a month's rain to parts of Scotland over the weekend. Two men died on Sunday: a man in his 20s in Finchley, north London, and Mr Baines in south-west Scotland.
Tributes from colleagues
David Knott, director of horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 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 UK."
During his tenure, Logan was voted the 'Best Garden in the UK' by Which in 2021, became the first garden in Scotland to gain gold for the Green Business Tourism award, and installed vehicle electric charging points. The garden was also awarded 5 Star status as a Visitor Attraction by VisitScotland.
Legacy of plant collection
Knott added: "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."
First Minister's condolences
First Minister John Swinney expressed his condolences for the two people who died as a result of Storm Boelo. In a post on X, he said: "My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the two people who have tragically lost their lives as a result of Storm Boelo. My thoughts are with all those affected by the damage and I thank the emergency services working through the night to keep people safe."
