25 June 2023, Starts: 11:30

Sunday 25 June  11.30
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Academy Street, Fortrose

Diana Hamilton-Jones writes

James Braidwood was my great great great grandfather and the Father of the Modern Fire Service, which was formed in Edinburgh in 1824. He was Superintendent of the world’s first municipal fire service. In 1833 he was invited to form a municipal fire service in London which later became the London Fire Brigade. At this time he was known internationally as The Expert on Fire Fighting. He was killed on active duty on Tooley Street, London on 22nd June 1861 and each year around that date the congregation of my local church holds a special service for the fire service. It is attended by local fire crews as well as senior officers from Glasgow & Edinburgh.

This year the service will be held on Sunday 25th June at 11.30 and all are most welcome. It is an opportunity to thank our brave fire fighters for all they do to keep us safe at home, work or on the roads and lochs as well as to commemorate the life and legacy of James Braidwood.