Conservationists are counting the cost ofter hundreds of trees were uprooted and historic buildings damaged as Storms Malik and Corrie blew across Scotlng.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has begun a country-wide clear-up operation to clear fallen boughs and branches from paths and woodland and to assess repairs to buildings in its care.
However, the charity faces an uphill struggle as it is still recovering from the havoc wreaked by Storm Arwen late last year, and says that ongoing projects have now been put back.
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Access to some of its properties may be restricted in the coming weeks and months, and visitors have been asked to check before they travel.
NTS Buildings and gardens damaged by the latest storms include many estates of the North East, such as Fyvie Castle, Castle Fraser and Crathes Castle.
Damage at Crathes Castle
However, the storms have affected areas from the sheltered Inverewe Garden in Wester Ross, the woodlands at Killiecrankie and The Hermitage in Perthshire as far south as Priorwood Garden in the Borders.
On the Mar Lodge Estate, the project to repair the Victoria Bridge has also been set back as the temporary protective structure that’s in place while the works take place is damaged.
The NTS says that Storm Arwen had already caused the loss of one million trees on sites in the North East alone.
Engineers assess the Victorian Bridge at Mar Lodge
Chief Executive Philip Long OBE said: “We’re working hard to recover from these latest wild weather events and we know that more are forecast throughout February.
“This is a pattern that’s expected to continue due to climate change and is a real challenge for our charity, especially coming so soon after Storm Arwen.
“Once again our teams, many of whom have lost power to their own homes, are doing fantastic work to deal with the damage in such difficult circumstances."
Donations to help repair the damage can be made here
He added: “While we have plans in place to deal with such situations, these events are increasing in frequency and divert time and resources away from planned conservation projects as we work to repair, and then repair again, the damage inflicted.
“We’re very grateful for any donations which will help us to respond where the need is most urgent.”
General Manager for the North East, Iain Hawkins said: “Our teams are hard at work clearing up after these latest storms which have had a huge impact across so many of the places we protect.
“Access to some of our estates may be limited over the next few days while our teams focus on making places safe and clearing up.
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“We’d urge the public to please check before travelling to any sites for the next few days and when onsite, follow any instructions about closures – this is for everyone’s safety.”
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