Botanic garden curator killed by tree in Storm Boelo

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 12:38 · Archive

Richard Baines, 60, curator at Logan Botanic Garden, died after being hit by a tree during Storm Boelo in Dumfries and Galloway on Sunday.

Richard Baines, 60, curator at Logan Botanic Garden in Dumfries and Galloway, died on Sunday after being hit by a tree whilst walking near his home during Storm Boelo. The storm battered Scotland with 80mph gusts, sparking yellow and amber weather warnings for wind across the country and causing widespread power outages and travel disruption. Thousands of people remained without power on Monday and several schools shut as a result.

David Knott, director of horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, of which Logan is a regional garden, paid tribute to Baines. He described him as an 'enthusiastic plantsman' who will be 'deeply missed by many'. Knott highlighted Baines' significant contributions to Logan, including overseeing the creation of the first 'all green' public conservatory powered by green energy in the UK.

During Baines' tenure, Logan Botanic Garden was voted the best garden in the UK by Which? in 2021, became the first garden in Scotland to gain gold for Green Business Tourism award and installed vehicle electric charging points. The garden was awarded 5-Star status as a visitor attraction by VisitScotland. Authorities have warned of further disruption as additional yellow weather warnings for wind come into force from Monday evening into Tuesday across Scotland.

How it is being reported

• Tributes to man killed by tree during Storm Boelo as more high winds forecastTributes have been paid to a botanic garden curator who died after being hit by a tree in Dumfries and Galloway during Storm Boelo.Worcester News · 27 Oct, 09:16
• Tributes to man killed by tree during Storm Boelo as more high winds forecastTributes have been paid to a botanic garden curator who died after being hit by a tree in Dumfries and Galloway during Storm Boelo.Malvern Gazette · 27 Oct, 09:16

In this story: Richard Baines · Logan Botanic Garden · Dumfries and Galloway · David Knott · Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh · Scotland

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