The wife of a Scottish man killed by a falling tree during Storm Boelo has spoken publicly for the first time, saying the family has been left "utterly devastated" by his death.
Richard Baines, 60, was walking in Mid Kelton near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway when the incident happened at 10.30am on Sunday, October 25. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Richard is survived by his wife, Liz, son, Prentice, and daughter, Nadia.
Family's tribute
Sharing a statement on social media, his wife Liz said: "Prentice, Nadia and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has visited us or called us at home over the past week.
"The beautiful flowers, cards, texts, WhatsApp and Messenger messages have brought us great comfort during this incredibly difficult time. We have felt so much love, kindness and support from everyone, and it has meant more than words can say.
"We have been utterly shocked and devastated by Richard’s sudden death, and are still trying to come to terms with our loss.
"At present, we do not yet have a date for Richard’s funeral. Bendalls Funeral Directors will share the details in due course, once arrangements have been finalised. Thank you all for thinking of us and for surrounding us with so much love and support. It is truly appreciated."
Career and storm recovery
Richard was a leading botanist and curator of the Logan Botanic Garden near Stranraer, part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh network. The network encompasses four gardens across Scotland, including the main garden in the capital, Dawyck near Peebles and Benmore on the Cowal Peninsula.
On December 7, 2021, Storm Barra caused the loss of around a dozen trees and widespread damage to many rare specimens at the garden. Richard described the destruction as "heartbreaking". He led the operation to clear up the damage from the stormy winter of 2021/22 and was involved in efforts to better protect the RGBE network against wild weather.
Richard was also department head for Forestry, Horticulture and Environment at SRUC Barony Campus in Dumfries.
Other fatalities in Storm Boelo
He was one of four fatalities during the extreme weather conditions in Scotland. Arran Callander, 20, and Jim McCollum, 84, both died at the scene of a crash in Bathgate during Storm Boelo. Arran was the driver of a white BMW that collided with a blue Peugeot 208, which Jim was driving, and a blue Citroen Saxo on the B708 Lower Bathville road at around 12.15pm on Sunday, October 25.
On Monday afternoon, a body was found in the search for Tom Allan, 63, who disappeared during Storm Boelo. The farmer was reported missing from Westmains Farm in Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire, on Friday, October 23. Storm Boelo brought heavy rain and 80mph winds to Scotland last weekend, leaving many communities damaged.
