PICTURES: Firefighters remember ‘father of British firefighting’ at special memorial service at Fortrose on the Black Isle
The ‘father of British firefighting’ has been remembered at a special event on the Black Isle.
Key figures from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) travelled to Fortrose for a memorial service in honour of James Braidwood last weekend.
Members of the public and Mr Braidwood’s descendants were also in attendance for the service at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church. In all more than 50 people took part.
Churchgoers were able to hear special poems and the 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.
Later this year, the SFRS will also commemorate the formation of the world’s first municipal fire service on Wednesday, October 23 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 at https://museumofscottishfireheritage.org or visiting the Museum at McDonald Road, Edinburgh,” said a spokesperson.
