Tallest tree among dozens lost at Royal Botanic Garden during Storm Eowyn

A tree dating back to 1859 is one of dozens lost at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh during Storm Eowyn.

The gardens and glasshouses suffered severe damage during the hurricane-force winds, with 15 trees lost – either uprooted or damaged beyond recovery.

Among those lost is the Garden’s tallest tree, the 29-metre Cedrus deodara, planted in 1859.

The tree is native to the western Himalayas and is of cultural and religious significance. The Sanskrit name devadāru means ‘wood of the gods’ and appears in ancient Hindu writings. 

In a “sad” announcement on Sunday, it was confirmed that 27 other trees had been heavily damaged, and over 100 panes of glass had been lost from the glasshouses.

Jamie Mitchell

The Garden has reopened to the public but has visible areas of damage.

In Glasgow, an ancient tree which has links to Mary Queen of Scots was also badly damaged.

Several branches of the Darnley Sycamore in Glasgow were felled during the strong winds.

According to legend, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley and his wife, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, sat under the tree when she nursed him back to health after an illness.

The tree, which is protected by a fence and fitted with a plaque, is believed to date back around 450 years.

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