Tributes have been paid to a botanic garden curator who died after being hit by a tree amid Storm Boelo.
Richard Baines, 60, was the long-serving curator at Logan Botanic Garden, near Stranraer, in Dumfries and Galloway.
He died while out walking near to his home in Mid Kelton, just outside Castle Douglas, on Sunday morning as the country’s second named storm battered Scotland with 80mph winds.
The storm sparked yellow and amber weather warnings for gale-force winds and heavy rain across the country, causing major power outages and severe travel disruption.
Mr Baines was described as enthusiastic and a “passionate plantsman” by a director of the regional garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh who led the tributes, adding that his colleagues were “devastated” by the news.
“He had a warmth, a genuine sense of humour, he always made time for individuals and that’s one of the tributes that has been said many times”, said David Knott, director of horticulture.
“He always found time for his colleagues. And he was always very supportive in providing opportunities for the next generation of horticulturalists. He was a very genuine and warm human being.”
Mr Baines 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 UK and the naming of Logan as “Scotland’s most exotic garden”.
During his tenure, Logan also successfully gained a number of accolades including being voted the best garden in the UK 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 it being awarded 5-Star status as a visitor attraction by VisitScotland.
David 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.
“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.”
Dumfries and Galloway MSP Finlay Carson also paid tribute to Mr Baines, a former school friend.
“Richard was a remarkable gentleman and a good friend to many, always ready with a warm smile, a kind word and an infectious enthusiasm for life.
“His expertise, commitment and achievements brought credit not only to his profession but to Galloway as well.”