Firefighters remember ‘father of British firefighting’ at special memorial service in Fortrose on the Black Isle

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Northeast SFRS Heritage Trust volunteers with 1915 Dennis firefighting equipment.

The ‘Father of the British Fire Service’ has been commemorated at a special event on the Black Isle.

Key figures from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) traveled to Fortrose last weekend for a memorial service for James Braidwood.

At the service at the Episcopal Church of St. Andrew’s Day was also attended by citizens and descendants of Mr. Braidwood. In total, over 50 people took part.

North-east SFRS Heritage Trust volunteers with SFRS Director Ross Haggart and Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty Joanie Whiteford.

Churchgoers could hear special poems and speeches at the altar while viewing paintings made by local school children on the church walls.

Representatives from the Scottish Fire Heritage Museum, Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust and North-East Scottish Fire Heritage Trust were present, as well as SFRS Chief Executive Ross Haggart.

Guests were treated to displays including historic uniforms, 1915 equipment and volunteers dressed in full regalia.

Later this year, SFRS will also commemorate the creation of the world’s first municipal fire brigade, which will take place on Wednesday, October 23 at St. Peter’s Cathedral. Giles in Edinburgh.

Heritage Trusts have also organised a series of exciting events for the public to take part in across Edinburgh and beyond over the coming months.

In partnership with Mercat Tours, we invite everyone to take part in a guided tour of the Royal Flames, which will take you in the footsteps of a 19th-century firefighter.

Land Rover in front of the church of St. Andrzej.

Those interested can also attend a specialized lecture on the history and scientific basis of fire investigation or a family workshop on water quantity.

“Everyone will find something for himself. For more information, visit the Scottish Fire Heritage Museum website at or visit the Museum on McDonald Road, Edinburgh,” a spokesman said.

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