Emotional service in Edinburgh remembers hero firefighter who died in pub blaze

Hero firefighter Ewan Williamson, who tragically lost his life while battling a pub blaze 15 years ago, has been honoured in a moving ceremony.

A ceremony attended by Ewan’s family and colleagues was held at the James Braidwood statue in Edinburgh’s Parliament Square on the anniversary of the tragic day.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief Ross Haggart, vice-chancellor Lezley Marion Cameron and representatives from the Fire Brigades Union also attended the commemoration, which included a minute’s silence and a wreath-laying ceremony.

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Ewan’s family described him as someone with “an infectious smile and a huge heart, which we have missed every day since his tragic death.”

They added that their thoughts are with the families of all firefighters who see their loved ones routinely put themselves in harm’s way.

On 12 July 2009, Ewan was responding to a large fire that started in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road.

The 35-year-old was a member of Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station and was part of the first crews to arrive at the scene.

Ewan was one of the firefighters tasked with tackling the blaze while other firefighters rescued residents from flats on the floors above the pub.

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In the smoky, low-visibility environment, he became separated from his colleagues and became trapped, losing his life in the line of duty.

Speaking with Edinburgh Live Patrol commander Rob Donaldson – who was on the green patrol working with Ewan – said efforts to remember the firefighter were “very important”.

Rob said: “Everything we have done and will ever do will be for Ewan’s family, to show his mother, Linda, and his sisters, Rachel and Rebecca, that we will never forget Ewan.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice. If it wasn’t for Ewan’s actions that night, I honestly don’t think we would have been able to save the number of people we did.”

Ewan’s brave actions that night helped the teams on the scene save 16 people – including a baby.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Officer Ross Haggart said: “As we mark 15 years since he lost his life in the line of duty, Ewan Williamson and his loved ones will be in the thoughts of firefighters everywhere.

“Ewan’s supreme sacrifice reminds us of all the extraordinary efforts our firefighters make to protect our communities.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service honours Ewan’s dedication and bravery. We celebrate his life and work with pride and will ensure he is remembered always.”

Fire Brigades Union regional president Gus Sproul said: “Firefighter Ewan Williamson made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the public. 15 years on from this tragic fire, the FBU and our members continue to reflect on his loss. Ewan will never be forgotten. His family, colleagues and friends are in our thoughts today.”

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Deputy Mayor of the City of Edinburgh, said: “Today… we honour Ewan’s memory, his service and his sacrifice.

“On that fateful day, and every day since; as is the case today, and will be the case tomorrow, those who work in our emergency services face danger and risk with bravery and courage in their duty to keep each of us and our communities safe. This is public service of the noblest and most selfless kind.”

Providing more feedback for Edinburgh Live Watch commander Rob Donaldson praised Ewan’s personality, adding: “He was a unique character, an excellent firefighter. We were a bit of a family at the time, he was a big part of our team… very charismatic, very outgoing.

“The Watch was made up of so many characters and we blended really well, got along really well and were a really good team. But Ewan was so unique and will always be sorely missed. He was a great character.

“The word ‘hero’ is thrown around too often, whereas honestly, if Edinburgh looks at its history, Ewan will always be remembered as a hero and will always be remembered as such.

“He will never be forgotten; both by us – the fire service – and, I hope, by the people of Edinburgh.”