200 years of SFRS recognised at Scottish Parliament
Two centuries of Scottish fire and rescue services was recognised at a parliamentary reception in Holyrood this week.
The Scottish Parliament hosted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and other invited guests at parliament on Tuesday, 1 October.
SFRS Chief Officer Ross Haggart attended alongside the descendants of James Braidwood – recognised as the “father of modern fire and rescue services”.
The event was the first in a month of events culminating in a private service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on 23 October, to be attended by Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne.
Chief Officer Ross Haggart said: “It was a great honour for us to be welcomed at parliament, recognising our proud heritage and the work of early pioneers like James Braidwood.
“This is an incredibly important milestone for our Service and fire and rescue services across the UK and beyond.
“While we certainly live in a very different world today, the core of what we do is still rooted in the work done by that first municipal fire service in 1824, here in Edinburgh.
“I would like to thank parliament and MSP Ben Macpherson for hosting us, as we look forward to a landmark month for fire and rescue services.”
The first municipal fire service was born in Scotland’s capital city in 1824 when insurance companies and public bodies created the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment, headed by Master of Engines, James Braidwood.
In two centuries, firefighting has evolved to adapt to new and ever-changing risks.
Firefighters across Scotland and the world now attend emergencies that involve rope rescue, water rescue and urban search, as well as road traffic collisions and fires.
MSP Ben Macpherson, who welcomed SFRS to parliament, said: “It is important to appreciate the remarkable contribution and dedication of everyone involved with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“We all owe firefighters and their support staff a great deal of gratitude and admiration for everything they do to keep our communities safe and respond to emergencies.
“Two centuries on from when the first municipal service was established in Edinburgh, this year is an opportunity to acknowledge the significant achievements over that time and recognise all those who have risked their lives and safety to help others.”
Read more about the history of the fire service in our heritage section.
