Storm Corrie causes devastating damage at Inverewe Gardens, a botanical jewel of the Highlands, with the world famous National Trust for Scotland attraction now temporarily closed for safety reasons
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A renowned Wester Ross botanical garden has suffered devastating damage in the recent storms.
The world famous Inverewe Gardens took a battering from Storm Corrie, the latest extreme low pressure system causing chaos across Scotland with winds of over 90 mph.
The estate’s owners, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), have closed the visitor attraction after reporting significant damage to plant life, with some trees left in a dangerous condition.
The gardens, located just to the north of Poolewe, were created in 1862 by landowner Osgood Mackenzie after the lands were gifted to him by his mother.
Blessed by warm Gulf Stream currents, the 2100-acre gardens became noted for the sheer breadth and diversity of exotic plant collections from all over the world.
Among its rarest offerings are pre-historic trees such as Wollemi pines and rhododendrons from China, Nepal and India, as well as Himalayan poppies and Tasmanian eucalypti.
A statement by the NTS said: “The very high winds of Storm Corrie have caused significant damage at Inverewe.
“The garden will remain closed for some time until it can be made safe. It is likely that trails and paths on the estate will be closed due to fallen or dangerous trees.
“It has had a devastating effect on Inverewe.
“A number of our mature trees have been lost and significant damage to our rhododendron collection around the Camas Glas area.
“Damage assessment is ongoing and we hope to have a fuller understanding of the extent of the damage shortly.”
The NTS thanked supporters for “kind wishes, patience and offers of support” as staff worked in the aftermath of the weather event.
Many thousands of people visit the gardens every year to take in the rare and colourful botanicals as well as spot some of Scotland’s “big five” wildlife species: red squirrels, red deer, otters, seals and golden eagles.
Inverewe House also hosts an award-winning café, interactive museum and the Sawyer Gallery which hosts exhibitions throughout the year reflecting the unique characteristics of the garden and surrounding environment.
