A COMMEMORATIVE red plaque has been unveiled to honour the “bravery and service” of a firefighter who died tackling a Highland blaze more than 40 years ago.
Roderick MacLeod, of the Isle of Lewis, died while battling a fire at Aberchalder Lodge, Invergarry, on May 21, 1981.
He was serving in Inverness when his crew was called to the fire.
The building collapsed while he fought the blaze, and despite his colleagues’ best efforts to save him, he died.
The plaque, unveiled at Inverness Fire Station on Friday, is part of the Red Plaque project, run by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery.
READ MORE: The wealthiest people in Scotland have been revealed - see full list
The ceremony was attended by family members, members of the public, serving and retired firefighters and local dignitaries.
A piper recital was followed by a minute’s silence and wreath laying.
FBU speakers were in attendance, with addresses from Colin Brown, FBU executive council member for Scotland, Ross Haggart, chief officer for Scotland Fire and Rescue Service, the Lord Provost of Inverness and Area, Glynis Sinclair Campbell; and former friend and colleague of Roderick’s, John Urquart.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The Fire Brigades Union pays tribute to fallen firefighters through our Red Plaque project. It is our duty to remember those who have come before us, as part of the history of our fire and rescue service and our communities.
“Firefighters everywhere honour Roderick MacLeod, and we will always remember his sacrifice”.
Seona Hart, FBU Scotland regional treasurer, said: “Today we have gathered in honour of firefighter Roderick MacLeod, who lost his life in May 1981 fighting a fire at Invergarry.
READ MORE: Greens urge 'future Labour government' to drop Alister Jack's nuclear plans
“By coming together in his memory, we will ensure that his bravery and service to his community will never be forgotten.
“The red plaque will stand at Inverness fire station as a place of remembrance and reflection for all."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here