Storm appeal launched
While the full extent of the impact is still being assessed, more than 30 places in the care of our conservation charity have confirmed damage, much of which is severe and will take time and 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 in Castle Douglas, and 30 at Brodick Castle on Arran. In addition, more than 10 trees have been lost at each of Crarae Woodland Garden, Arduaine Garden and Geilston Garden. All are known for their precious species, interesting planting schemes and historic woodlands, and are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Much-admired 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.
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 has been confirmed at the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre, which suffered significant roof damage leading to subsequent water ingress, as well as damage to exterior signage and interpretation.
In the east, the royal Falkland Palace, which dates 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 have all suffered damage to roofs.
In addition to the 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 funds to repair.
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.’
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.’
The National Trust for Scotland aims to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.
Stay in touch
Be the first to hear about our latest news, get inspiration for great days out and learn about the work we do for the love of Scotland.
Read next
Love Scotland podcast mini-series: Robert Burns
As we get ready for Burns Night on 25 January, we’re delving into the Love Scotland archives to bring you episodes that reveal the life and legacy of Robert Burns.
Easter Egg Trails 2025
Hop on over to one (or more!) of our Easter Egg Trails, taking place at 40 Trust places this year.
Recipe: Scott’s cranachan from Culzean
Scott Murdoch, Head Chef at Culzean Castle & Country Park shares his recipe for cranachan — a boozy, fruity delight with whisky, raspberries, oats, cream and homemade redcurrant jelly.
Cocktail recipe: Pink Castle Gin gimlet
Our Pink Castle gimlet made with our very own Pink Castle Gin, simply shaken with raspberries, lime, and syrup.