In June, Skypark hosted a remarkable event celebrating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the world’s first fire service in Scotland. The ‘Super Heroes’ event brought together emergency services in a vibrant showcase of community spirit and safety awareness.
Commemorating 200 Years of Fire Service History
Skypark became a hub of excitement as vintage fire engines were displayed, and a specially commissioned commemorative coin was unveiled to honour the brave men and women of the Scottish Fire Service. The unveiling was led by Dave Adam, chair of the Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust.
Reflecting on the origins of the fire service, Andy Carson, a volunteer event manager with the Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust, shared insights into the service’s foundation. He noted that in 1824, James Braidwood, whose family business had tragically burned down, convinced the governors of Edinburgh to establish the world’s first public fire brigade. Carson expressed pride in this legacy, saying, “James Braidwood encouraged the City’s governors to found the first public fire brigade in the world. We are very proud this was recognized with a specially commissioned coin representing the bravery of men and women firefighters and the spirit of community protection that endures to this day.”
Community Safety in Action
The event not only honoured historical achievements but also featured practical demonstrations from Fire and Police personnel, focused on keeping the community safe. Attendees observed CPR demonstrations and met the local community police team.
Carson further emphasized the community aspect, saying, “It’s a great opportunity for children, schools, and the community to learn more about working together to protect one another. We will be raising awareness of water safety for children ahead of the summer break, as educating children at an early age is a priority.”
Building a Network of Support
Angela Higgins, Skypark’s Strategic Lettings Advisor from Resonance Capital, highlighted the significance of the event in strengthening community bonds. She remarked, “Bringing our community together to commemorate 200 years of bravery and dedication of our fire service is not only humbling, it educates us all and strengthens our connections to keep us safe. Together, we can create a network of support that ensures the well-being of children and families in our community.”
The Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust community event was open to the public and featured a variety of engaging activities. The fire service mascot, Hamish the Firedog, delighted children, while demonstrations on water safety and CPR by Police Scotland educated families on vital safety practices.
This celebration at Skypark was not just a nod to the past but also a vibrant reminder of the ongoing commitment of our emergency services to community safety and resilience.
