Celebrating 200 years of Scottish Fire and Rescue Services this October

Scotland's national fire and rescue service will host hundreds of guests at Edinburgh's famous St Giles' Cathedral next week as it marks 200 years of Scottish Fire and Rescue Services.

The world's first municipal fire service was born in the nation's capital city in October, 1824.

The service and it's first Master of Engines, James Braidwood, would go on to influence the formation of fire brigades across the globe and set the standard for modern fire and rescue services.

Now the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is hosting a day of celebration on Wednesday, 23 October in the heart of Edinburgh, culminating in a service at St Giles' Cathedral for invited guests including Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The day will also see the city's statue of James Braidwood rededicated in his memory, and a civic reception hosted at the City Chambers.

While the service will be closed to the public, the SFRS Pipe Band, parading firefighters and both vintage and modern fire appliances will be on display in Parliament Square at the heart of the Royal Mile from around noon, 12.00pm.

The service will be broadcast live on St Giles' Cathedral's YouTube page.

Find out more about the history of Scotland's fire services in our heritage section or visit the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage.