SFRS marks 200 years of Scottish fire and rescue services

The 200th anniversary of the world’s first fire service was celebrated in Edinburgh earlier today. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) hosted Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal, SFRS staff, politicians, and guests from across the UK at a special commemorative service at St Giles' Cathedral. 

This month the Service has been marking 200 years since the first municipal fire service was founded in Scotland’s capital in 1824.  

This includes paying tribute to the legacy left by the “father of modern fire services” James Braidwood, who was appointed the first Master of Fire Engines and would go on to help form the London Fire Engine Establishment – which would become London Fire Brigade. 

Braidwood's great-great-great granddaughter, Diana Hamilton Jones, was also in attendance and spearheaded the campaign to recognise his contributions to fire and rescue.

SFRS Chief Officer Ross Haggart led the re-dedication of James Braidwood’s statue behind the cathedral earlier in the day, before Edinburgh City Council hosted guests at a civic reception in the City Chambers. 

Chief Officer Haggart said: “Today we marked a milestone in the history of fire and rescue services – not only here in Scotland, but across the world. 

“The formation of the first municipal fire service here in Edinburgh, and the appointment of James Braidwood to lead it, laid the foundations for us and modern firefighting as we know it. 

“Braidwood and those early pioneers established new firefighting techniques and technologies and devised the first methods for training and organising a fire brigade – the basics of which can still be seen today, 200 years later. 

“We were honoured to welcome guests from across the UK, including Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to St Giles' Cathedral today as we celebrated and remembered all those who came before us.” 

The Service featured representation from other UK fire and rescue services, Scotland’s other emergency services and unions such as the Fire Brigades Union. 

Speeches from CO Haggart and Firefighter James Perry celebrated the history and future of fire and rescue services before Diana Hamilton Jones – the great-great-great granddaughter of James Braidwood – gave an account on his life and legacy. 

Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown MSP, also gave a reading.  

Diana Hamilton Jones said: “It was uplifting to see St. Giles filled with people wanting to show their respects at this service celebrating 200 years of municipal fire-fighting in Scotland.  James Braidwood would have been honoured by the way his legacy has been acknowledged today.   

“The seed for this celebration was planted at the unveiling of the statue commissioned by Dr Frank Rushbrook in 2008; I am most grateful for the support I have received over the years, from fire services in London and Scotland and others who have done so much to make today memorable. I am particularly grateful to HRH The Princess Royal for her continued interest. 

“James Braidwood was a pioneer, an exceptional human-being and my great, great, great grandfather and I am immensely proud of him.” 

Siobhian Brown MSP is the Minister for Victims and Community Safety. 

She said: “This is a proud day for Scotland and for firefighters past and present as we mark 200 years since the world’s first municipal fire service was founded in Edinburgh in 1824.  

“As we celebrate this historic occasion, my thanks go to all those in the fire service who have dedicated their careers to keeping communities safe over the years. Today the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is a national service with the values of safety, teamwork, respect, and Innovation at its heart - values that reflect a proud heritage.” 

Events marking the Bicentenary will continue for the rest of the year, including events being held at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage. 

ENDS