THE ROYAL Botanic Garden in Edinburgh announced the sad news yesterday, that Storm Éowyn had uprooted its tallest tree.
The gardens reportedly suffered a large amount of damage after the storm which battered the country on Friday.
As well as the 166-year-old tree, 14 other trees were also lost and damaged beyond recovery.
The Royal Botanic Garden is now open as usual following closures on Friday, as people were urged to stay indoors during the red alert sent out to many areas of Scotland, Northern England and Ireland.
The garden in Edinburgh, located at Inverleith Row, is one of four Royal Botanic Gardens in Scotland.
The tree was part of the cedrus deodara species, a type of cedar native to the Himalayas which can sometimes reach up to 60 metres tall.
They posted yesterday, saying: “We’re sad to announce that Storm Éowyn has caused severe damage across our Gardens.
“At Edinburgh, 15 trees have been lost – either uprooted or damaged beyond recovery. This includes the Garden’s tallest tree, the 29-metre cedrus deodara, planted in 1859.”
They went on to say: “A further 27 trees have been heavily damaged, and more than 100 panes of glass have been lost from our glasshouses.
“The Garden is back open today, however you will see areas of damage.
“We’ll provide updates on our other Gardens, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan, when we can.”
Pictures were shared of the colossal tree, having been snapped in two by the force of the 100mph winds that battered the country last week.
The post received over 6,100 likes and more than 290 comments, with many disheartened to hear the news.
One user said: “So sad to hear that. My heart goes out to the gardens and the team!”
Another replied: “Wow, I bet that was scary and loud! Hope everyone is ok.”
A third commented: “Oh wow, shows the force of wind we faced on Friday. A lot of clearing up and replacement everywhere.”
A fourth recalled: “How sad. I remember when a terrible storm went through where I’m from in Bucks, I think in the 90s.
“Centuries old horse chestnut trees were felled. The history those trees have seen.”
The gardens responded to the support, saying: “Thank you everyone for your kind words, and for sharing your memories of the trees.
“It’s heartening to see how much they, and the Gardens, mean to people.
“We’ll share more updates soon. Take care.”
The site has confirmed that the gardens are open to visitors as usual, but certain areas have been cordoned off due to damage.
