Botanist Richard Baines Dies in Storm Ciaran Tragedy
Curator of Logan Botanic Garden killed by falling tree as severe weather batters Scotland, causing widespread disruption and power outages.
Sarah Connor
Richard Baines, 60, died on Sunday morning after a falling tree struck him in Dumfries and Galloway during Storm Ciaran.
David Knott confirmed the death. Logan Botanic Garden is one of four Scottish gardens managed by the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.
Mr. Knott highlighted Baines's immense impact. "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," Knott stated. Baines was instrumental in significant developments at Logan, including the UK's first 'all green' public conservatory powered by green energy.
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.
Under Baines's leadership, Logan Botanic Garden received numerous accolades. It was voted the 'Best Garden in the UK' in 2021. It also became the first garden in Scotland to achieve gold for the Green Business Tourism award and install electric vehicle charging points, earning a 5-Star Visitor Attraction status from VisitScotland.
His passion for plants led to a significant expansion of Logan's collection. Mr. Knott added, "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."
Storm Boelo battered Scotland with 80mph gusts, causing widespread power outages and travel disruption. Thousands of people remained without power on Monday, and several schools shut.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) reported approximately 25,000 customers still lacked power on Monday morning. Western Isles Council announced all schools in the Western Isles would close to pupils on Tuesday due to forecast high winds.
Separately, the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team responded to a callout in the Minigaff Hills, assisting an injured runner during Storm Ciaran. The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) met on Monday to discuss the unfolding situation.
Network Rail and ScotRail warned of potential disruption to train services on Monday and Tuesday. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued an amber risk of flooding for the Western Isles, Caithness and Sutherland, and the Northern Isles.
A fresh yellow weather warning for wind in south west Scotland came into force at 6pm on Monday. This was followed by a yellow wind warning for much of Scotland until 9pm on Tuesday.
Another man in his 20s died in Mill Hill, north London, on Sunday after a falling tree hit his car. This brought the total reported deaths from falling trees during the storm to two.
The OMM mountain challenge event proceeded despite poor weather conditions. A spokesperson stated the course closed and all competitors were accounted for before the amber wind warning took effect.
Baines's extensive fieldwork in China, the Canary Islands, and Vietnam led to the publication of seven new plant species.