Logan Botanic Garden curator Richard Baines killed by falling tree during Storm Boelo

Crime · First reported 26 Oct, 14:15 · Updated 19:08

Richard Baines, 60, died on Sunday morning after a falling tree struck him near his home in Dumfries and Galloway. Colleagues paid tribute to his work at Logan Botanic Garden and his support for younger horticulturalists.

Baines, the long-serving curator of Logan Botanic Garden near Stranraer, was understood to have been walking near his home in Mid Kelton, outside Castle Douglas, when the accident happened.
Police said a 60-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a tree at about 10.30am on Sunday. They reported no suspicious circumstances and said a report would go to the Procurator Fiscal.
David Knott of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh credited Baines with expanding Logan’s plant collection, leading overseas fieldwork and developing a public conservatory powered by green energy.
Storm disruption continued on Monday, with thousands of customers without electricity and schools closed in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands. Western Isles schools were set to close to pupils on Tuesday because of forecast winds.
ScotRail warned of further disruption on Tuesday, including speed restrictions on some routes, and advised passengers to check journeys before travelling.

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Key facts

Person: Richard Baines, 60, curator of Logan Botanic Garden.
Location: Mid Kelton, near Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway.
Police assessment: No suspicious circumstances; report to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.