A man has tragically died after being struck by falling trees during a powerful storm in Scotland.
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Richard Baines, 60, the curator of Logan Botanic Garden, died following an accident near Castle Douglas on Sunday, October 25.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. in Mid Kelton, with emergency responders pronouncing Baines dead at the scene.
Man Dies During Storm After Being Struck by Falling Trees
David Knott, Director of Horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, confirmed Baines' death in a statement.
"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," the statement read.
Knott paid tribute to Baines' extensive contributions to horticulture, highlighting his achievements during his time at Logan Botanic Garden.
"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."
Under Baines' leadership, Logan Botanic Garden earned recognition as the 'Best Garden in the U.K.' 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," the statement added.
Tributes Pour In as Storm Claims Two Lives Across UK
Baines' colleagues remembered him for his "passion and enthusiasm for plants" and his dedication to botanical research.
Throughout his career, he participated in and led fieldwork in China, the Canary Islands and Vietnam. He contributed to the publication of seven newly identified plant species.
His death came as another man, in his 20s, died after a falling tree struck a moving vehicle. The incident occured in north London during the same storm.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressed his condolences to both victims' families.
"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," Swinney said on X.
"My thoughts are with all those affected by the damage. I thank the emergency services working through the night to keep people safe."
Storm Boelo and its predecessor, Storm Austen, caused widespread disruption across the region. The storms reportedly left more than 800,000 properties without electricity.
As of Monday morning, nearly 40,000 customers across the UK and Ireland remained without power.
Authorities continued issuing weather warnings as strong winds and heavy rain affected parts of the country.
