'Father of firefighting' honoured

James Braidwood founded the world's first municipal fire service in Edinburgh

A statue of the "father of firefighting" has been unveiled in a square on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

James Braidwood founded the world's first municipal fire service in Edinburgh in 1824, but has received little recognition in his home city.

The 7ft tall bronze statue was officially unveiled in Parliament Square at 1215 BST on Friday.

Horse-drawn vintage engines and firefighters in historic uniforms formed a backdrop for the ceremony.

Many of the methods Mr Braidwood established are still used to protect people and their property to this day, enhanced by new technological advances.

Much of what he wrote still applies today, he was way before his time Dr Frank Rushbrook former Edinburgh firemaster

The ceremony was opened by Edinburgh's Lord Provost, George Grubb, and the statue was unveiled by Sir Timothy O'Shea, principal of Edinburgh University.

Members of the Braidwood family and those with strong links to the fire service and its history were also at the ceremony.

Former Edinburgh firemaster Dr Frank Rushbrook, 93, has led a group of campaigners who have been calling for the creation of a statue for the last three years.

Dr Rushbrook was a firefighter for 33 years and was firemaster between 1961 and 1970.

Heroic person

He said: "We always wanted to site the statue on the High Street, and this is a world-class site.

"It just couldn't be better. It's beside St Giles' Cathedral and near the High Court. Over a million people pass down the High Street during the festival alone.

"I'm a great admirer of James Braidwood, because he was the first fire chief to approach firefighting from a scientific point of view. Much of what he wrote still applies today, he was way before his time."

The chief fire officer of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, Brian Allaway, said: "I consider it a privilege to be part of this event and witness the unveiling of the statue of James Braidwood in this most dignified position on Parliament Square.

"James Braidwood is one of the most respected and heroic people associated with the fire service anywhere in the world and it is fitting that he should be honoured in the city of both his birth and his earliest major professional achievement."

The statue was crafted by Kenny Mackay, who was also responsible for the sculpture of Donald Dewar in Glasgow.