UPDATED: The funeral of Firefighter Barry Martin
Firefighters from across Scotland will join the family and friends of Barry Martin in paying tribute at his funeral service to be held at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh this week
The 38-year-old firefighter from Fife sadly died on Friday, 27 January following the serious injuries he sustained during a large-scale fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh earlier that week.
At midday on Friday, 17 February, the funeral cortege will make its way from the base of the Royal Mile, arriving at the Cathedral at 12.20pm when the service, by invitation, will begin. There will be a private committal thereafter.
More information on the planned procession and funeral service in Edinburgh is available below.
Cortege Route
Following a private event for family and colleagues at McDonald Road Fire Station in Edinburgh, the funeral cortege will make its way to Abbeyhill and Holyrood House. From there, a ceremonial procession will take place up the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral.
How to watch the Service remotely
St Giles’ Cathedral will provide a live broadcast link of the Service from 12.15pm. This can be watched on YouTube.
Travel, Road Closures and Public Access
Rolling road closures will be in effect during the funeral procession on the Royal Mile. These will be managed by Edinburgh City Council.
Crowd barriers will also be in place on the Royal Mile from the junction with North Bridge Street for the duration of the parade and service. Shops and local amenities will remain open.
As a mark of respect, Lothian Buses is offering free travel to all uniformed emergency services personell and Edinburgh Trams is offering free travel to all uniformed fire and rescue service personell on the day of the funeral.
Representation from other Fire and Rescue Services
Representation from other fire and rescue services who wish to pay their respects is welcome. As we are anticipating large numbers of attendees we are limited in the number of invites that can be issued for the funeral service.
However, non-SFRS colleagues from across the UK and beyond who wish to attend and be part of the Parade on the Royal Mile are welcome and should arrive at the Radisson Blu Hotel, The Royal Mile, 80 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TH for 11am where a briefing will take place and refreshments will be provided.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service staff will be in full Firefighting PPE for the parade but firefighters from other services may prefer to attend in full undress uniform / formal brigade uniform or station workwear.
If you wish to send representation to the funeral service or have any questions about attending as a fire and rescue service colleague, please email SFRS.EventPlanning@firescotland.gov.uk
