Curator killed by falling tree while walking near home during Storm Boelo

A man who died after being hit by a falling tree in Dumfries and Galloway during Storm Boelo has been named as Richard Baines.

The news was confirmed on Monday after a moving tribute was paid to the curator of Logan Botanic Garden who was killed during the strong weather on Sunday.

Storm Boelo pummelled the north of the UK, bringing 84mph gusts and a third of a month’s rain to pockets of Scotland over the weekend.

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 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.”

Logan Botanic Garden became a regional garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1969.

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