The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has launched an appeal to help support emergency work that is needed to deal with the destruction caused by Storm Éowyn at dozens of NTS sites across the country.
NTS has reported that damage has been confirmed in 30 sites under their care, with ongoing assessments to determine the full extent of the impact. Across Culzean Country Park, at least 250 trees have been lost; Threave Garden in Castle Douglas has seen the loss of over 60 trees, while Brodick Castle on Arran has lost 30. Furthermore, more than 10 trees have been lost at each of Crarae Woodland Garden, Arduaine Garden, and Geilston Garden.
These sites are renowned for their valuable species, unique planting designs, and historic woodlands, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Trees have also been lost or damaged at Hill of Tarvit in Fife, Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire, House of the Binns near Edinburgh, and Greenbank Garden and Holmwood near Glasgow.
Numerous historic buildings have experienced damage to their roofs, walls, and fences, prompting the Trust’s building surveyors and property teams to conduct urgent assessments of each site. Structural damage has been verified at the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre, which has sustained considerable roof damage resulting in water ingress, along with harm to exterior signage and interpretation materials.
In the eastern region, the royal Falkland Palace, which dates back to at least the 16th century, has incurred damage to its roof and gutters, as well as broken gates and the loss of trees. Culross Palace, Hill of Tarvit, Kellie Castle, and Newhailes have all reported roof damage. And in addition to the significant tree loss, Culzean has experienced damage to the play park, fences, and walls. A large polytunnel at Brodick was also lifted and destroyed, indicating that extensive efforts and funding will be required for repairs.
Philip Long, the National Trust for Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “The effect of Storm Éowyn has been devastating. While at the Trust we are used to dealing with and planning 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 our places 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.”
“Your support will enable us to recover from Storm Éowyn and make it possible to share these special places with visitors again, as well as helping us continue to plan and prepare for future incidents of extreme weather across Scotland.”
You can donate to the NTS Storm Éowyn appeal here: https://www.nts.org.uk/donate/appeals/storm-appeal/amount
