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Date

27 June 2024

SFRS and the public join together to remember James Braidwood

Over 50 people attended the service in Fortrose

SFRS and the public join together to remember James Braidwood

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has paid tribute to one of the most important figures in its history.

On Sunday, 23 June, key figures from the SFRS joined with members of the public and the descendants of James Braidwood - the “father of British firefighting” – the at a memorial service in Fortrose.

The service at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church was attended by over 50 people.

Heritage trust volunteers wearing regalia firefighting uniform, the Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty wearing full uniform, a 1915 Dennis fire appliance, the Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service wearing dress uniform, Diana Hamilton-Jones a descendant of James Braidwood and a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service branded Land Rover Discovery
Heritage Trust volunteers, Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Chief Officer of the SFRS Ross Haggart and Diana Hamilton-Jones

Churchgoers were able to hear special poems and address’ at the altar while viewing pictures created by local school children on the church’s walls.

In attendance were representatives from the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust and North-East Scottish Fire Heritage Trust along with the Chief Officer of SFRS, Ross Haggart.

Guests were treated to displays that included historic uniforms, appliances from 1915 and volunteers wearing full regalia.

Churchgoers outside the church with Heritage Trust volunteers, a 1915 Dennis fire appliance and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service branded Land Rover Discovery

Later this year, the SFRS will also commemorate the formation of the world’s first municipal fire service on Wednesday, 23 October at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. 

Heritage trusts have also organised a series of exciting events over the coming months in Edinburgh and beyond that the public can attend.   

In conjunction with Mercat Tours, members of the public are invited to attend the Royal Flames tour, a guided tour that takes you on the path of a 19th-century firefighter.

Members of the public can also attend a specialist talk about the history and science behind fire investigation or a family workshop about the sums of water.

There is something for everyone, find out more about what’s on by visiting Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage website or visiting the Museum at McDonald Road, Edinburgh.