Remembering Firefighter Ewan Williamson

A Commemoration Service was held in front of St Giles’ Cathedral on West Parliament Square in Edinburgh on Saturday, 12 July and was attended by Firefighter Williamson’s family, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, Deputy Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron, as well as representatives from the Fire Brigades Union. 

During the Service, a minute’s silence was observed followed by a wreath laying ceremony. 

CO Stevens said: “Sixteen years ago Ewan Williamson lost his life in the line of duty. Ewan, his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones, will always remain in our thoughts.  

“Ewan’s ultimate sacrifice reminds us of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to, to protect and to serve our communities across the country.  

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will always remember Ewan. We will continue to commemorate his life and honour his selfless dedication and bravery.” 

The Williamson family, Linda, Rachel and Rebecca said: “Ewan’s family would like to extend their thanks to Ewan’s colleagues and friends at Tollcross Green Watch and the Fire Brigades Union for their support and friendship in the years following Ewan’s tragic passing. His big, beautiful smile lives on in our hearts.” 

At 00:38am, on 12 July 2009, Firefighter Williamson was a member of the first attending crews at a fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh. 

As the devastating fire spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels. This enabled other SFRS personnel to carry out multiple rescues of occupants from domestic flats in the three floors above, whose lives were endangered by the smoke and flames. 

Ewan, 35, who was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station, entered the building wearing breathing apparatus as part of the efforts to extinguish the fire. Tragically, he became trapped during firefighting operations and lost his life in the line of duty. 

A total of 16 people, including a baby, were rescued that night, an outcome that could have been very different had it not been for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues responding to the incident. 

John McKenzie, Fire Brigades Union Regional Secretary for Scotland said: Ewan was a friend to all who knew him and a brilliant firefighter and comrade. He paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public and our thoughts are with Linda, Rachel, Rebecca, Ewan's colleagues and all those that loved him. He will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts.” 

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: “Today we honour Ewan’s memory, his service and selfless bravery in the line of duty.    

“Sixteen years ago on that fateful day, Ewan tragically lost his life in the service of others. This is public service of the most noble and selfless kind.    

“Ewan’s courage, sacrifice and dedication reminds us that true heroism lives not in grand gestures but in daily acts of selflessness, demonstrated daily by all those working in our emergency services facing danger with bravery and courage to keep each and all of us, and our communities, safe.”    

ENDS 

Notes to Editor: 

On July 4, 2025, it was announced that Ewan Williamson would receive an Elizabeth Emblem in recognition of his sacrifice in the line of duty. 

The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who have died in public service. 

It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.  

Also to receive an Elizabeth Emblem are: 

• Firefighter Roderick Nicolson who died at Perth Harbour on 4 December 1995. He was attempting to rescue workers who became trapped in a silo filled with five tonnes of sodium carbonate ash. 

• Firefighter William Oliver of the Glasgow Salvage Corps, who died at Glasgow’s Cheapside Street whisky bond fire on 28 March 1960, where 19 firefighters sadly lost their lives.