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
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MORE
Manran to headline as Innis & Gunn bring the best of Scotland to the Mound for Fringe 2025
Scottish trad supergroup Mànran will headline a one-off live show on the Mound this month, as part of the return of Innis & Gunn's popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe takeover.
READ MORE
SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh launches the summer edition of its famed Champagne Afternoon Tea
SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh launches its famed Champagne Afternoon Tea, with a refreshing summer spin, whilst guests enjoy unparalleled views from the restaurant’s home on the 10th floor of W Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Traverse Theatre announces Autumn 2025 season
Hot on the heels of a thrilling TravFest25 programme, the Traverse Theatre has announced the first details of the exciting work audiences can look forward to seeing in the venue from September.
READ MORE
New Edinburgh hotspot, The West End Garden, opens in the grounds of St Marys Cathedral
Edinburgh's West End has welcomed an exciting new destination as Don't Tell Mama, the beloved local coffee shop, officially opens The West End Garden.
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Launches Search for Director of Mischief
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is excited to announce the creation of a brand new role, adding the first-ever 'Director of Mischief' position to its team.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes only sloth bear in Scotland
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed Scotland’s only sloth bear, Cipísek, from Zlin Zoo in the Czech Republic.
READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials
The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MORE
Collective opens new programme inspired by the original panorama invented on Calton Hill
Today, Collective is delighted to announce and open a new programme, Panorama: New Views of a City, running from Wednesday 9 July to Sunday 21 December 2025.
READ MORE
Get Creative at the LEGO Edinburgh Store this Summer
This summer, The LEGO Group is excited to bring its new Summer Fun with Music Creativity Workshop directly to families in Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MORE
Meet Elphaba, Glinda and Stitch inspired characters at Fort Kinnaird this summer
Families will have the chance to meet some of this year’s biggest blockbuster-inspired characters for free at Fort Kinnaird this summer, as part of a series of exciting meet and greet sessions.
READ MORE
The Famous Spiegeltent announces Edinburgh summer programme
This week, the globally acclaimed venue, The Famous Spiegeltent makes her grand return to St Andrew Square after almost a decade away from her spiritual home.
READ MORE
Community spirit is blooming in Newtongrange as award winning gardens are revealed
Newtongrange Community Council is now pleased to reveal the names of the green-fingered locals that stood out in this historic garden contest.
READ MORE
Dive into fun at Ocean Commotion Soft Play
Dynamic Earth launches its Toddler Tidal and Deep-Sea Discovery Zones in a bid provide accessible enrichment for little ones across the Capital.
READ MORE
DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh welcomed Gold DofE Award holders to The Palace of Holyroodhouse this morning at a very special event to mark their achievements.
READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive
Capital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.
READ MORE
Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh
A Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird.
READ MORE
Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet
Livingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.
READ MORE
Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced
Departing on Saturday 29th November 2025 at from Edinburgh Waverley, this enchanting lunchtime journey will be led by the iconic 60532 Blue Peter.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Programme
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced its programme of screenings and events for its 2025 edition.
READ MORE
GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland
Party at the Palace will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows
Gilded Balloon has unveiled a huge line-up of comedy stars to take part in a special ‘40 Years of Fringe’ in conversation series, to celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint
Ahead of its programme launch on 2 July, EIFF venues will include Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni and a new pop-up screen at National Galleries Scotland: National.
READ MORE
New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author
One of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links