Burning ambition

Residents urgedto makebids Fire-fighter John looks back on four decades in the job

A Hamilton politician is encouraging community organisations from across her constituency to bid for town centre regeneration funding.

Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley says South Lanarkshire Council are welcoming applications from eligible organisations to apply for grants of more than £50,000 to help improve our town centres.

The funding came as part of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund and must fit with the criteria which is set out in their Town Centre Action Plan.

And applications for the fund must be in by Wednesday, July 31.

Ms Crawley said: “This funding has the potential to be transformational for a number of towns across Lanark and Hamilton East.

“I have already met with community organisations in Hamilton, Larkhall, Carluke and Lanark to discuss their plans and ambitions.

“This process has given communities across South Lanarkshire the ability to think positively about their town’s redevelopment.”

Long-serving Hamilton firefighter John Devine has celebrated 40 years with the fire service.

Having begun his career in 1979 with Strathclyde Fire Brigade, John has spent most of his working life based at Hamilton Fire Station.

“I’m very proud to have reached the 40-year mark, and have been lucky enough to do the job that I love for so long,” he said.

John, 62, was joined by family and colleagues at the Bothwell Road station to celebrate the milestone and was presented with a certificate by area commander Alan Fairbairn.

He added: “I’d like to thank my colleagues and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for organising this event – it’s been a day to remember.

“To be honest, I can’t quite believe that’s me hit the 40 mark, but I wouldn’t swap it for the world.

“I’ve loved this job since day one, met some brilliant people, and made a lot of good friends.”

Mr Fairbairn said: “John is an absolute credit to his profession, to his team in Hamilton Fire Station, and to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He has undoubtedly seen many changes during his long and distinguished career, but one thing that hasn’t waned is his commitment to keeping others safe, and giving back to his community.

“A huge congratulations to John on an incredible service.”

John said: “When I first applied, I was working in a warehouse and just needed something new, and I’ve never looked back.

“I lived in Motherwell near the station, and I used to see the appliances going back and forth. It always impressed me, and it was always in my mind that I could maybe give it a go.

“I remember my first shout was a special service during a time of bad flooding. We rescued a young boy who had become stranded on an island on the River Clyde.

“I’ve had a few strange and sizeable jobs in my time which include a nightclub in Keith Street, Hamilton, about 20 years ago with a number of rescues. That one stands out. I’ve even rescued a cat off a roof, would you believe!”