Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

Article Source: National Trust For Scotland
Last Updated: 29 January 2025 15:09

While the full extent of the impact is still being assessed, more than 30 places in the care of the conservation charity have confirmed damage, much of which is severe and will take time and incur significant cost to address.

At first count, every Trust garden in the south and west of Scotland has been affected. At least 250 trees have been lost across the much-loved Culzean Country Park, over 60 are lost at Threave Garden at Castle Douglas, and 30 at Brodick Castle on Arran, as well as more than 10 trees each at Crarae Woodland Garden, Arduaine Garden, and Geilston Garden. All are known for their precious species of planting and historic woodlands, and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands each year.

Much-loved trees have also been lost or damaged at Hill of Tarvit, Fife; Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire; House of the Binns, outside Edinburgh; and Greenbank Garden and Holmwood, near Glasgow.

Many historic buildings have also suffered damage to roofs, walls, and fences, and the Trust’s building surveyors and property teams are urgently assessing each place. Structural damage is confirmed at the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre, which has significant roof damage and subsequent water ingress as well as damage to exterior signage and interpretation.

In the east, the royal Falkland Palace and its garden, which date to at least the 16th century, has suffered roof and gutter damage, broken gates, and tree loss. Culross Palace, Hill of Tarvit, Kellie Castle, and Newhailes House and Gardens have all suffered damage to roofs.

In addition to severe tree loss at Culzean, the play park, fences, and walls there are damaged, and a large polytunnel at Brodick was lifted in the air and smashed, all of which will take great effort and require funds to repair.

Philip Long, the National Trust for Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “The effect of Storm Éowyn has been devasting. While at the Trust we are used to dealing with and plan for difficult weather conditions, the brutal force of Storm Éowyn has wrought unprecedented widespread damage to many of Scotland’s most loved places. Our teams have been working flat-out to make them safe for people again, but the job of repair, restoration and planting will take much longer, and we would be very grateful for people’s support of our charity in this.”

Ali MacLeod, Head of Fundraising at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “From the destruction caused to buildings to the loss of trees across Scotland, storm damage is once again causing a period of difficult and expensive recovery, disrupting our planned conservation work and incurring enormous cost. We need help to deal with the aftermath and develop further the means to make our places more resilient to such severe conditions.

“Support will enable us to recover from Storm Éowyn and make it possible to share these special places with visitors again, and it will help us continue to plan and prepare for future incidents of extreme weather across Scotland.”

The National Trust for Scotland aims to care for, protect, and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022. To support its Storm Éowyn recovery and repair these special places, visit www.nts.org.uk

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