Family tribute to firefighter as rescue bid is recognised
BY MICHAEL PRINGLE THE family of a man who died in a road crash have thanked a firefighter honoured for his heroic efforts in trying to save his son.
Ewen Mackay, 54, and son Padraig, 16, were on the A87 on the Isle of Skye when their van was one of four vehicles involved in a horrific smash.
Padraig was seriously injured and trapped in the van, while his dad Ewen died in the accident which took place on August 8.
The teenager was later airlifted 230 miles to hospital in Glasgow, where he is still being treated for serious injuries. Allan MacLeod, 39, an off-duty retained firefighter, was first to arrive at the scene and identified Padraig as being in a critical condition.
With help from members of the public, he was able to remove the teenager and stabilise him. The dad-of-two has now been recognised for his efforts with a commendation from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief officer Alasdair Hay.
Ewen’s brother Kenny said: “Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of the emergency services who attended that day, including Allan, who we know did everything in his power to help Ewen and Padraig.
“We are gladdened to hear he is being recognised for his actions.”
Paying tribute to “doting father” and “loving husband” Ewen, he added: “We cannot begin to describe our loss and heartbreak.”
Allan has been keeping tabs on Padraig’s progress in hospital and hopes to meet him when he is well enough.
“I’m humbled to receive this commendation, I truly am. But my thoughts are still with Ewen and his family, and Padraig”, he said.