Tributes to botanic garden curator killed by falling tree during Storm Boelo

Tributes have been paid to the curator of a botanic garden who was killed by a falling tree in Dumfries and Galloway during Storm Boelo.

Richard Baines was injured on a minor road while out walking at Mid Kelton near Castle Douglas around 10.30am on Sunday.

The 60-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, David Knott, director of horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, confirmed Mr Baines worked as a curator of the Logan Botanic Garden.

During his career, Mr Baines was primarily responsible for overseeing the UK’s first public conservatory powered by green energy.

Mr Knott said he will be “deeply missed” by many.

The statement read: “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 U.K.

“It will, however, be for his passion and enthusiasm for plants that he will be remembered for significantly increasing and expanding the plant collection at Logan, participating in and leading fieldwork in China, the 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.”

Storm Boelo, the second named storm of the season, battered the country with winds of up to 84mph at the weekend.

It brought down trees, damaged sea defences and sent debris flying.

There was widespread flooding and around 150,000 homes were left without power.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a 60-year-old man having been struck by a falling tree on a minor road at Mid Kelton near Castle Douglas around 10.30am on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

“The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”