Red plaque unveiled for Lewis firefighter who died in line of duty

A new commemorative plaque has been unveiled in honour of firefighter Roderick MacLeod, who was from the Isle of Lewis and lost his life in the line of duty fighting a fire in the Highlands in 1981.

The plaque is part of the Red Plaque project, run by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery.

Unveiled on Friday May 17, at Inverness fire station, the plaque marks the tragic fire at Aberchalder Lodge, Invergarry, on May 21, 1981.

Roderick MacLeod was serving in Inverness when his watch was called to the large fire in the lodge. He died fighting the blaze when the building collapsed, despite the brave efforts of his colleagues to rescue him.

The ceremony was attended by family members, members of the public, serving and retired firefighters, and local dignitaries. A piper recital was followed by a minute’s silence and wreath laying.

Speakers included Fire Brigades Union officials, with an address from Colin Brown, FBU executive council member for Scotland; Ross Haggart, chief office for Scotland Fire and Rescue Service; the Lord Provost of Inverness and area, Glynis Sinclair Campbell; and former friend and colleague of Roderick’s, John Urquhart.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said: “The Fire Brigades Union pays

tribute through project.

“It is our duty to remember those who have come before us, as part of the history of our fire and rescue service and our communities.

“Firefighters

to fallen firefighters our Red Plaque everywhere

honour Roderick MacLeod, and we will always remember his sacrifice.”

Seona Hart, Fire Brigades Union Scotland regional treasurer said: “Today we have gathered in honour of firefighter Roderick MacLeod, who lost his life in May 1981 fighting a

fire at Invergarry. By coming together in his memory, we will ensure that his bravery and service to his community will never be forgotten.

“The Red Plaque will stand at Inverness fire station as a place of remembrance and reflection for all.”

Photographs: FBU Family members attended the ceremony in Inverness, where firefighter Roderick MacLeod’s sacrifice was honoured with a commemorative red plaque; unveiled at Inverness fire station, the plaque marks the tragic fire at Aberchalder Lodge, Invergarry, May 21, 1981. Roderick MacLeod, from the Isle of Lewis, was serving in Inverness when his watch was called to a large fire in the lodge.