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The 200th anniversary of the world’s first fire service was celebrated in Edinburgh yesterday.
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.
Related reading: 200 years of SFRS recognised at Scottish Parliament
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.
Events marking the Bicentenary will continue for the rest of the year, including events being held at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage.
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