Dawyck Botanic Garden reveals devastation caused by Storm Éowyn as fundraising appeal launched

A fundraising appeal's been launched to help the clean-up operation at Dawyck Botanic Garden following Storm Éowyn.

The Peeblesshire attraction's been forced to close while the area is made safe - although the cafe and visitor centre remain open.

Curator Graeme Stewart told Greatest Hits Radio it's the worst storm he's witnessed in 20 years.

"To date, we've recorded around 100 or so trees which have been affected by the storm," he said. "And, from that, we've lost around 50 to 60.

"Storm Éowyn has created a situation where the garden is so badly damaged that we've had to shut them to allow the garden team to clean up the damage and make safe."

And he added: "The remedial works that we're looking at could probably take up to a year-and-a-half to complete."

The site, near Stobo, is one of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s four gardens.

As well as an historical tree collection, it also boasts a variety of plants and trees from around the world - some of which are threatened in the wild.

It's hoped visitors will be allowed back to explore the grounds before the end of this month.

Mr Stewart said: "Some of the damaged trees date back over 100 years, so some of the history has been lost."

Donations can be made via the attraction's website.

Meanwhile, a call has been made for more to be done to identify the most vulnerable, including the elderly, during any future lengthy power outages.

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell believes some at-risk households may be slipping through the net under current ‘priority list’ arrangements.

He is also seeking a wider review into Scottish Power Energy Networks' response to Storm Eowyn, highlighting issues raised with him by constituents who faced difficulties making direct contact to report problems or obtain an update.

Mr Mundell said: “It is important that lessons are learned."

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