Storm Éowyn Leaves Trail of Destruction
Storm Éowyn has caused significant and extensive damage across our four Gardens, with assessments ongoing. The storm hit Scotland on Friday 24 January 2025, with wind gusts above 90mph.
Simon Milne MBE, Regius Keeper, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh:
“The storm has had a devastating impact, both in terms of financial cost and the loss of some of the cherished National Botanical Collection. All four of our Gardens, located within the red weather zone, have suffered damage – particularly Benmore and Edinburgh. While the Glasshouses and buildings can be repaired, subject to resourcing, it is especially heartbreaking to lose treasured trees like the Cedar in the Edinburgh garden, which stood tall for over a century before I was even born.
“On Saturday, our dedicated team rallied together and worked tirelessly to carry out urgent repairs to the Glasshouses, reduce the risk of further damage to the irreplaceable plant collection, and ensure the Garden would be safe to reopen. Once the long and painstaking process of clearing fallen and damaged trees is complete, we will turn our focus to replanting. It is important that future generations will continue to experience the beauty and legacy of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh”.
Damage at Edinburgh
In the Edinburgh Garden, 15 trees have been lost – either uprooted by the wind or damaged beyond recovery. This includes the Garden’s tallest specimen, the majestic 29-metre Cedrus deodara, planted in 1859 (pictured). A further 27 trees have been heavily damaged, and more than 100 panes of glass have been lost from our glasshouses.
Benmore
Benmore has seen significant damage to its infrastructure and the Living Collection, including the loss of 200 - 300 trees.
The polytunnels and glasshouses, which protected many valuable plant species, were destroyed. Power was out until Monday, and several buildings, including the Nursery, Courtyard, and tractor sheds, had their roofs blown off or damaged beyond repair.
Sadly, one of the Redwood trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum) on the newly restored and historic Redwood Avenue has also been lost.
Dawyck
The severity of the damage at Dawyck includes 50-60 trees lost and pathways blocked, making parts of the Garden inaccessible. A considerable amount of work is required to remove broken limbs, and the team anticipates 12 months of effort to clear all of the irreparable damage done.
Logan
Around 50 trees, including many valuable species, have been heavily damaged or uprooted, with Eucalyptus trees being the most affected. Staff have been working hard to clear fallen trees and assess the necessary recovery efforts. 89mph winds also caused damage to tunnels and glasshouses.
Due to the necessary recovery work, Logan's reopening will be delayed until early March to ensure the garden is safe for visitors.
Please support us to restore our Gardens and our living collections by donating today to our recovery fund. All your donations, no matter the size will be directly used across our four Gardens on vital restoration.
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