A man who died after being hit by a falling tree in Dumfries and Galloway during Storm Boelo has been named as Richard Baines.

The news was confirmed on Monday after a moving tribute was paid to the curator of Logan Botanic Garden who was killed during the strong weather on Sunday.

It is understood that Mr Baines was struck by the falling tree while walking near his home. Storm Boelo pummelled the north of the UK, bringing 84mph gusts and a third of a month’s rain to pockets of Scotland over the weekend.

David Knott, director of horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “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.

“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 UK.

“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 Logan being awarded 5 Star status as a Visitor Attraction by VisitScotland.

“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.”

Logan Botanic Garden became a regional garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1969.

First Minister John Swinney has expressed his condolences for two people who died as a result of Storm Boelo over the weekend.

In a post on X, the First Minister said: “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.

“My thoughts are with all those affected by the damage and I thank the emergency services working through the night to keep people safe.”

Police Scotland said they were not treating Richard's death as suspicious.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We were made aware of a 60-year-old man having been struck by a falling tree on a minor road at Mid Kelton near Castle Douglas around 10.30am on Sunday, 25 October, 2026. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

In Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross, two women were taken to hospital after being struck by another falling tree.

Power supplies were severely impacted, with 838,700 properties left without electricity during Storm Boelo and Storm Austen, which struck hours apart.

On Monday morning, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said around 25,000 customers remained without power, while around 70,000 had been reconnected.

SP Energy Networks said that as of 4.30pm on Monday, around 500 customers remain without power, mainly across Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, while more than 50,000 have been reconnected.

In Aberdeenshire, 13 primary schools without power were shut on Monday, while Ellon Academy was closed because of storm damage.

Ten primary schools were shut in the Highlands.

Western Isles Council said that all schools in the Western Isles will be closed to pupils on Tuesday as high winds are forecast at the time of the school commute.

On the railways, Network Rail said most train services would return to normal on Monday but passengers were urged to check their journeys online before they tried to travel

ScotRail said that the “vast majority” of services were running on Monday morning but warned people to expect disruption on Tuesday.

It said that Network Rail has confirmed that some routes will operate with speed restrictions on Tuesday.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and with more strong winds and heavy rain across Scotland on Tuesday, we’re asking customers to plan ahead and check their journey before travel.

On Monday morning, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said around 25,000 customers remained without power, while around 70,000 had been reconnected.

SP Energy Networks said that as of 4.30pm on Monday, around 500 customers remain without power, mainly across Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, while more than 50,000 have been reconnected.

In Aberdeenshire, 13 primary schools without power were shut on Monday, while Ellon Academy was closed because of storm damage.

Ten primary schools were shut in the Highlands.

Western Isles Council said that all schools in the Western Isles will be closed to pupils on Tuesday as high winds are forecast at the time of the school commute.

On the railways, Network Rail said most train services would return to normal on Monday but passengers were urged to check their journeys online before they tried to travel

ScotRail said that the “vast majority” of services were running on Monday morning but warned people to expect disruption on Tuesday.

It said that Network Rail has confirmed that some routes will operate with speed restrictions on Tuesday.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and with more strong winds and heavy rain across Scotland on Tuesday, we’re asking customers to plan ahead and check their journey before travel.