AWARD-WINNING GARDENER, 60, KILLED BY FALLING TREE DURING STORM BOELO — HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES POUR IN

Richard Baines, the much-loved curator of Logan Botanic Garden, died while walking near his home as powerful winds battered Scotland. Colleagues have paid tribute to a remarkable man whose passion for plants transformed one of the country’s most celebrated gardens.

A devastating storm has claimed the life of a respected Scottish gardener, leaving colleagues and friends mourning a man remembered for his warmth, generosity and extraordinary dedication to the natural world.

Richard Baines, 60, was struck by a falling tree near his home in Mid Kelton, close to Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, on the morning of Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Emergency services were alerted at around 10:30 a.m. and rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, Richard was pronounced dead at the scene.

His dєatᩚh occurred as Storm Boelo brought powerful winds and severe weather across Scotland, causing disruption and damage in several areas.

For those who worked alongside him, the loss is deeply personal. Richard was not simply an accomplished horticulturalist — he was a colleague, mentor and friend whose enthusiasm inspired everyone around him.

‘HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY MANY’

Tributes have poured in from colleagues at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where Richard had made an extraordinary contribution through his work at Logan Botanic Garden near Stranraer.

David Knott, director of horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, described the organisation as devastated by the news.

He remembered Richard as someone with genuine warmth and a sense of humour who always made time for others.

Richard was also known for supporting younger horticulturalists, helping create opportunities for the next generation to develop their skills and pursue their passion for plants.

In a moving tribute, Knott said Richard’s contribution to Logan and the wider organisation had been “immeasurable”.

His words reflected the impact of a man whose influence extended far beyond the gardens he cared for.

A LEGACY THAT TRANSFORMED LOGAN BOTANIC GARDEN

Richard spent years helping expand and develop Logan Botanic Garden, a remarkable destination known for its unusual and diverse plant collections.

During his tenure, he played a leading role in significant projects, including the development of what was described as the UK’s first publicly accessible conservatory powered entirely by green energy.

The garden also received numerous accolades, including being named the UK’s Best Garden by Which? in 2021.

But colleagues say Richard’s greatest legacy was his passion for plants and his determination to introduce visitors to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

He helped significantly expand Logan’s plant collection and participated in botanical fieldwork in China, the Canary Islands and Vietnam.

That research has contributed to work documenting seven plant species new to science.

For Richard, horticulture was more than a profession. It was a lifelong passion that connected him with people, places and discoveries across the world.

🤍 REMEMBERING THE MAN BEHIND THE ACHIEVEMENTS

Those who knew Richard remember more than his professional accomplishments.

Colleagues described a genuine and supportive person who offered a warm smile, an encouraging word and a willingness to help others.

His dedication to mentoring younger horticulturalists ensured that his knowledge and enthusiasm would continue to influence the profession long after his own work.

His dєatᩚh has left a painful void among those who shared his commitment to preserving and celebrating the natural world.

For the team at Logan Botanic Garden, the plants he nurtured and the projects he helped bring to life will remain a lasting reminder of the person they have lost.

 FATAL ACCIDENT AS STORM BOELO BATTERED SCOTLAND

Richard’s dєatᩚh came during a period of severe weather, with strong winds and heavy rain affecting communities across Scotland.

An amber warning for severe gales was in force, with gusts reaching around 70 mph in exposed coastal areas.

Police Scotland confirmed that a 60-year-old man had been struck by a falling tree on a minor road near Castle Douglas.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and that a report would be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The tᩚraɢedy served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by falling trees and powerful winds during severe weather.

 A LASTING LEGACY

Richard Baines devoted much of his life to helping others appreciate the natural world. Through his work, he expanded botanical collections, supported scientific research and helped transform Logan Botanic Garden into an award-winning attraction.

But perhaps his most enduring legacy will be the people he inspired — colleagues he supported, young horticulturalists he encouraged and visitors who discovered something extraordinary among the plants he loved.

His dєatᩚh has brought profound sadness to Scotland’s horticultural community.

Richard will be remembered not only for what he achieved, but for the warmth, generosity and passion he brought to his work every day. May his family, friends and colleagues find comfort in the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. 🤍🌿