Tragedy as Royal gardener killed by falling tree during storm
Richard Baines was killed when a tree fell on him during Storm Boelo(Image: Chris James/Royal Botanic Garden/PA Wire)
TL;DR
- Richard Baines, 60, died after being struck by a falling tree near his home in Mid Kelton, Dumfries and Galloway.
- He was the curator of Logan Botanic Garden and was described by colleagues as having a great passion and enthusiasm for plants.
- Baines was responsible for significant developments at the garden, including its first 'all green' public conservatory powered by green energy in the UK.
- He also contributed to fieldwork in China, the Canary Islands, and Vietnam, leading to the publication of seven new plant species.
- Storm Boelo caused widespread disruption across Scotland, with amber and yellow warnings for wind, flooding, power outages, and travel cancellations.
- First Minister of Scotland John Swinney offered condolences to the families of the two people who lost their lives due to the storm.