On 12th July 2023, a ceremony marking the 14th anniversary of the Balmoral Bar fire was held in Edinburgh’s Parliament Square to honour fallen firefighter Ewan Williamson.
Pipers played in honour of the fallen firefighter before a minute’s silence. Members of the Williamson family then laid a wreath at the James Braidwood statue, alongside members of the Tollcross Green Watch, the station where Ewan Williamson worked.
Wreaths were also laid by representatives of the Fire Brigades Union, and the Chief Fire Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Following the ceremony at St Giles Cathedral, wreaths were also laid outside Benson’s Bar (formerly the Balmoral Bar) on Dalry Road, at the site of a Red Plaque marking the tragedy, which was unveiled in Ewan Williamson’s honour in 2018 by the Fire Brigades Union.
Firefighter Ewan Williamson lost his life tackling a severe fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on the 12th of July 2009 when the floor of the burning building collapsed. The first firefighter killed on duty in the region since the early 1990s, Ewan’s death deeply affected the service. Following an enquiry, improvements were made to communications and other procedures across Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service.
Ewan’s family described him as having a “wonderful spirit, a smile that would light up a football field and a witty sense of humour that we miss deeply.
“He was a kind and giving person, always willing to help anyone. He was a loving son and not only a brother, but a best friend to his sisters, Rachel and Rebecca.”
Seona Hart, FBU Regional Treasurer said:
Firefighter Ewan Williamson paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public. We remember Ewan 14 years on from that fateful day on the 12th of July 2009 and send our love and heartfelt thoughts to Ewan’s mum Linda, sisters Rachel and Rebecca, Ewan’s colleagues and all those that loved him.
Ewan will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts."
