Tribute to man killed by falling tree in Dumfries and Galloway during Storm Boelo

It is understood Richard Baines, 60, who was the curator of Logan Botanic Garden in Stranraer, was walking near his home in Mid Kelton, outside Castle Douglas, when the accident happened on Sunday.

A man in is 20s was also killed by a falling tree in Finchley, north London, and two women were taken to hospital after they were struck by another falling tree in Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross, on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of homes in Scotland were left without power as high winds and driving rain battered the country over the weekend bringing 84mph gusts and a third of a month’s rain to pockets of Scotland.

Power cuts hit 838,700 properties during Boelo and its predecessor by hours, Storm Austen.

David Knott, director of horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh paid tribute to Mr Baines who will be “missed by many”.

He 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 also successfully gained a number of accolades including being voted the ‘Best Garden in the UK’ 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.

“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 John Swinney expressed his condolences for two people who died during the storms.

In a post on X, the First Minister 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.”

Fresh weather warnings were issued on Monday for strong winds and heavy rain.

Yellow wind warnings stayed place for western areas of the UK on Monday and Tuesday as gales and spells of rain bring the potential for ongoing disruption, particularly around exposed coasts and higher ground, the Met Office said.

At 8am on Monday, 39,000 customers were still without power, the Energy Networks Association, which represents operators in the UK and Ireland, said.

Read more: Storms in Scotland: More weather warnings issued for the country as high winds expected

In Aberdeenshire, 13 primary schools without power were shut on Monday, while Ellon Academy was closed because of storm damage. Ten primary schools were shut in the Highlands.

A yellow warning for wind, issued by the Met Office on Monday, stayed in force from 6pm on Monday until 3am on Tuesday.

The warning – covering parts of north-west England, Northern Ireland, south-west England, Strathclyde, south-west Scotland and Wales – forecasts gusts of 45-50mph inland and 60-65mph along exposed coasts and over high ground.

It added that the strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain at times, and there could be some disruption.

On Monday the Environment Agency issued 13 warnings that flooding is expected and 44 alerts where it is possible.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said 33 flood warnings and 13 flood alerts were in place, while Natural Resources Wales reported three flood warnings and 14 flood alerts were active at the same time.

The Scottish Government Resilience Room met on Monday to discuss the impact of Storm Boelo on communities, as more than 100,000 households in Scotland lost power to their homes.

Read more: Exclusive:Largs restaurant owner 'truly devastated' after Storm Boelo flooding destroys kitchen

Scottish Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Over the weekend, we have seen a number of areas across Scotland experiencing severe impacts as a result of Storm Boelo, with flooding and electricity supply being cut off due to the heavy rain and high winds.”

She added: “More high winds, rain and coastal flooding is forecast Monday and into Tuesday, and it is important to note that buildings and trees that were weakened over the weekend will be particularly vulnerable.

“I would urge the public to continue to check their local weather forecast and follow the advice of the Met Office, Sepa and the police to ensure they stay safe.”