Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage

16/11/2022

We are famous! Check us out in this month's Museums Journal where we chat all things MoSFH.

19/10/2022

Its been a busy few weeks for us at MoSFH; we've taken delivery of some fabulous small fire kit for try-ons in the museum gallery, have been organising the last remaining bits of wonderful stock that will be going on sale in our museum shop and celebrated the 70th birthday of our very own WC Farries QFSM, Phew. All of that and we're only halfway through October!

12/08/2022

The outbreak of World War I saw firefighters join the armed forces leaving fire brigades stripped of years of valuable experience and knowledge. Their places were filled by Temporary Firefighters, backed up by Voluntary Firefighters & even Boy Scouts.

Pictured are Edinburgh Boy Scouts used as runners and messengers.

04/08/2022

Today is my view from the office window. Quite busy in the yard! From the large windows in the museum, visitors will be able to view the drills/training yard at McDonald Road Community Fire Station.

06/07/2022

We’ve been a quiet online lately, but behind the scenes so much has been taking place! Read on to learn about our progress.

The website for the museum is being developed by Surface Impression and is close to launching. We’re currently working on finalising content for the site – which takes quite a bit of time if you can imagine!

On the physical museum side. Displays, displays, displays! It has been so interesting to see the site go from an empty shell, to organised chaos to finally seeing the displays coming together. So much work has been done by some incredibly valuable and hardworking Volunteers who spent days cleaning, polishing, organising and transporting the objects now being installed. Hopefully we tell them enough, but they are awesome and priceless members of the team.

Also behind the scenes the team (including wider SFRS staff from several departments) have been working away providing feedback and last-minute edits to the interpretation panels. And the Museum Manager has been pulling all this together! The first panels are now installed by Elmwood Projects Ltd with the remainder of them going in over the next couple of weeks.

To accompany these exhibitions there will be regular guided tours at the museum. Over the past couple of months our Watch Commander has been downloading his knowledge of the fire service and personal experience for the tour script. Only half way through and over 11000 words have been accumulated! With probably another 11000 to go we’re working to make this a 45-minute highlights tour focusing on key points and objects throughout the museum. For those wanting some in-depth history there will opportunities to book speciality tours and talks.

Finally pens, shirts, toys, books and more are being developed and ordered for the gift shop! There will be a range of inexpensive items you can pick up with just a fiver and specialist items meant as keepsakes and gifts for friends and loved ones. Our focus is on stocking items from companies based in Scotland, the UK and Europe.

We can see the end of this journey to open the Museum in sight. And cannot wait to welcome you! Another update will come next month.

And be sure to know that when we have an official opening date we plan to announce it far and wide so you won’t miss it.

14/06/2022

We're hiring for the post of Museum of Fire - Visitor Experience Team Leader based at The Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, McDonald Road, Edinburgh on a fixed term basis until May 2023. This is a full-time opportunity, working 35 hours per week. Application deadline is 5th July. https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/emergency-services/scottish-fire-and-rescue-service/jobs/museum-fire-visitor-experience-team-leader-280820

09/06/2022

The Mobile Fire Museum has now been transported to our Collection Store. Until recently it was living at the SFRS East. The Mobile Museum won't be out and about in 2022 as it will need some updating specifically to its exhibition! But we hope that in the next year or so it will be back on the road - diesel prices permitting 🤨

03/06/2022

While we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubliee, Watch Commander, Dave Farries QFSM looks back at receiving his service medal from Queen Elizabeth II.

“In 2014 I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal for my work with Fire Service Heritage, Fire Service Sports and Athletics and the Firefighters Charity, or the Benevolent Fund as it was known then.

Later I was given the option of having it presented either at Buckingham Palace or Holyrood Palace and chose the latter as its practically on the doorstep. On the day I was accompanied by my wife Michelle and my son David, my daughter Linzi though nominated as one of my 3 guests was unfortunately out of the country, and as we entered the Palace we were separated with guests being taken through to the Hall where the presentations would be made and recipients going into a large, ornate, reception room overlooking the Palace Gardens and Holyrood Park.

I met up with Kevin Blair, ex Watch Manager at Dunbar, who had also been awarded the QFSM and we chatted as we passed the time. Eventually a guy in an impressive uniform covered in regalia came and spoke to us and let us know what the protocol was and how the ceremony would be conducted. He gave us all pins to put onto the left hand breast of our jackets, coats, etc. for the Queen to hang our awards on. Shortly afterwards things began and individuals were being called and pretty soon a line of people slowly moving forward developed. The Fire Service and Ambulance personnel were the last in line and as I moved through there were only a couple of people left behind me.

I was held at the door to the hall by an equerry and then sent forward to another equerry further into the hall beside the wall. I could see all these people sitting on chairs arranged in a 3 sided square pattern in front of a stage, which I couldn’t see clearly as it seemed recessed into the wall I was being sent along. Standing in front of the stage was the guy in the impressive uniform who was presenting the recipients to the Queen.

I was scanning the ‘audience’ for Michelle and David but couldn’t pick them out and I just hoped they had a good view of things. As I moved further up and was being held with the final equerry I could see that the Queen was presenting the awards and chatting with the recipients, something we had been briefed on, and now I could see beyond the stage, seated in the front row, my Wife and Son.

This was my first view of the Queen in real life and I was amazed how small she was, especially compared to all the uniformed people standing beside and assisting her on the stage. Before I knew it was my turn and I was sent forward to a position about 3 paces from the front of the stage beside the guy with the regalia. As previously briefed, he announced my name and my award, I bowed and moved forward to a position in front of the stage where, because she was on the stage, the Queen was face to face with me. She already had my medal in her hand and she hung it on the pin I had previously put onto my jacket. We then had a short conversation about my charity work. I remember she was quite quietly spoken though I think Michelle and David, by virtue of their front row seats, managed to hear what she was saying. The Queen then offered me her hand which, following the briefing, I took lightly and shook. After two or three shakes my hand was pushed slightly, my indication that it was over and I let go of her hand, walked backwards the 3 paces, bowed and walked to the far end or the hall passing my family enroute.

I met up with them shortly afterwards and we exited into the Palace grounds to wait in a queue to get official photos taken. Shortly afterwards we made our way back to Lauriston where we met up with our daughter in law, Sandie, and grandkids, Joe, Caleb, and Aroha, in the Museum where we got some family photos incorporating the vintage appliances before going to our favourite restaurant for a meal.”

09/05/2022

All 5 of the appliances going on display have moved to their new home! We're happy to announce that the Museum has reached this milestone.

The appliances were moved by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s fleet team, marking a major milestone in the museum’s construction ahead of a summer opening.

All five appliances played a pivotal role in the history of fire and rescue in Scotland and include a 1939 Dennis Limo, previously based at Musselburgh, a 1911 Halley which served with Leith Fire Brigade, an 1824 hand-drawn pump which was used in Edinburgh City and a 1901 Greenwich Gem, first used by the town of Kirkcaldy in Fife.

They will feature alongside dozens of historic and modern exhibits and artefacts including uniforms and equipment at the museum’s new premises with its entrance on Dryden Terrace, at McDonald Road Community Fire Station.

04/05/2022

On Wednesday 4th May we once again celebrate . The Feast Day of St Florian is a time for us all to remember firefighting colleagues past and present as well as the broader firefighting community around the world.

A popular Scots saying is ‘Wer all Jock Tamson’s Bairns’ which basically means we are all the same and that could not be truer in the case of Firefighters. No matter where in the world you are, no matter what system of your work, if you put ‘the blue stuff onto the red stuff’ your part of that worldwide fraternity that’s known as Firefighters.

We think it particularly poignant this year to think of our Ukrainian colleagues and the superhuman efforts they have gone to, to save life and property. Unfortunately, some of them have made the ultimate sacrifice and are no longer with us. Reminiscent of St Florian, a former centurion who was in charge of a cohort of Roman Vigiles (firefighters) in his early career and hence is the patron saint of firefighters. He gave his life not fighting a fire but ‘rescuing’ thousands of Christians when he refused to obey the instruction of his Emperor and put them to death. He was ultimately killed having been flayed, scourged and thrown into a river with a large weight around his neck because he refused to renounce his Christian beliefs.

02/05/2022

Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage updated their address.

Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage updated their address.

14/04/2022

History does truly repeat itself! This is a newspaper clipping highlighting the Tullis Russell & Co. Ltd appliance that was heading to the McDonald Road museum in the 1960s. The appliance will be again make the journey back to McDonald Road next week.

07/04/2022

We would like to give an update on the new Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage opening later this summer.

After years of planning and anticipation things are moving at a pace. As many of you know the Museum is moving back to its previous home at McDonald Road Community Fire Station in Edinburgh. We have a dedicated area that will house our reception and exhibition gallery. The gallery features large windows that look out onto the McDonald Road drill yard.

If you’re wondering what the museum will cover. It will be a chronological story of firefighting throughout Scotland up to the present day. It is an ambitious project that seeks to unite the Story of Scottish firefighting. The Exhibitions will cover 6 Themes:

• Scotland’s Challenges
• Early Years
• On the Run
• Being a Firefighter
• Safety
• Temporary Display: starting with World War II

Where are we now? The shell of the museum has been prepped and the flooring laid. The 5 Appliances going on display will be transported there later this month, once the electrical work has been completed. They are going in first due to their size and placement in the museum, then the large display cases, AV equipment, etc. will be brought in.

Currently staff and volunteers are prepping (dusting and lightly cleaning) the artefacts and objects going on display. This is a process that started in Nov 2021 with cleaning the appliances, was paused due to COVID restrictions, and started up again this February. Getting all the objects prepared will take about another 2 months (until the end of May). But once they are cleaned they’ll be ready for transport and display in their lovely new cases.

We currently have an appeal for SFRS Duty Board Tallies roughly 50mm in diameter by 0.5-1mm thick with or without names on them. Tallies can be plastic or light metal and hopefully one of the 5 Watch colours in use in the Service. It is an ideal opportunity for your name to live on. Donate your tally to the Museum and if it meets the criteria it will be placed on the board in perpetuity. Get in touch via email [email protected] or drop us a message via Facebook.

We aim to keep you updated on the development of the museum and offer some sneak peek photos over the coming months! Information about opening activities and events will be provided as well so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram museumscotfire.

07/04/2022

We've been hard at work preparing the appliances to move down to the new Museum and the volunteers are leaving nothing untouched. This 35ft/10.5m Ajax timber ladder was slipped from the appliance, the 2 sections separated and set up so that the dust and dirt could be brushed off and the ladder washed with soapy water.

Images: Volunteers with the ladder from the Dennis Limo.

21/03/2022

So much to do this week, but it's always nice when strolling through the Collection warehouse to stop and appreciate the items we have in store.

This fire extinguisher was located in a bonded warehouse in Glasgow which store Scotch Whisky barrels during maturation. It was made circa 1820 and was in use for over 100 years.

08/03/2022

Women were recruited and worked in the National Fire Service, the single fire service created in 1941 during WWII. They ran communications worked as wireless operators, telephonists and organised fire engines and crews.

During this time women weren’t allowed to fight fires however they worked on the front line as dispatch riders. A follower on our Twitter account pointed out some like his mom served in the Auxiliary Fire Service.

21/02/2022

In the lead up to the Museum opening this summer, we have started training and activities for staff and volunteers.

This month the focus has been on visitor services and tour guiding. It has involved visiting places such as National Museum Scotland, Surgeons' Hall Museums and taking tours from Mercat Tours.

It is always great to see what others in the sector are doing, support them and learn from them.

We're looking forward to more activities and most importantly opening our doors for you to come and visit us in our new location at McDonald Road Community Fire Station.

11/02/2022

The George Medal is awarded by the United Kingdom and Commonwealth of Nations for acts of great bravery "not in the face of the enemy". It was instituted in 1940 by King George VI and continues to this day. The design of the medal has changed 4 times since its inception. In 1952, it was changed to depict the crowned effigy of the (then new) reigning monarch Elizabeth II.

Fire Personnel Swanson, Melvin and Anderson of the National Fire Service, Glasgow were 3 fire officers awarded the George Medal in 1953 because they “all show utter disregard of their own safety in making persistent attempts to save the lives of the trapped men and were supported by Branchmen Harrold and Blackwood, who acted with considerable gallantry …" in a fire at a cabinet-makers at Ballater Street, Glasgow.

You can read more about how these 3 got their medal in an archived post from The London Gazette Publication date: 17 July 1953. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39917/supplement/3994

Pictured left to right John Swanson, Assistant Firemaster, James Melvin, Divisional Officer and William Anderson, Column Officer.

24/01/2022

Communications and the Control Room for the fire service has changed so much over the past 100 years. From plug-in switch boards to modern computers. Pictured is a 1970s Control Room based in Glasgow. The team took notes by hand, wore headsets and had a small switchboard to connect calls.

19/01/2022

The people in the Scottish Borders town of Duns raised money to purchase their own fire engine in 1806 (pictured). They had to buy their own because there was no official fire brigade. Because it did not have a motor, the Duns appliance had to be pulled through the town. The people of Duns used it for over 100 years until 1939.

31/12/2021

Happy Hogmanay! Stay safe everybody!

24/12/2021

Wishing all those who celebrate a safe and Happy Christmas🎄! Pictured is a Christmas party at Lauriston Fire Station in Edinburgh.

21/12/2021

We hope you're having a great time leading up to the weekend. For those working hard this week and may not get the time off - we see you and appreciate you! 🎄

17/12/2021

Things are coming together!

Image 1: Museum signage is now on the building. We're still under construction, but it is starting to feel so real now. We'll be located at the McDonald Road Community Fire Station, with the entrance to the Museum on Dryden Terrace, Edinburgh.

Image 2: So many decisions to make. These are the proposed colours and textures for the Museum (some changes will be made). But you're looking at the making of Museum seating, doors, walls, cabinets, metal work, etc.

We're excited to be working with Elmwood Projects Ltd and Nomad Exhibitions on this project.

03/12/2021

It takes a lot of time and careful attention to detail to get the appliances shined and polished. The Watch Commander and amazing Volunteers 😃 have been working hard to get them ready for display in the museum. Many more weeks of work to go, but the results are well worth it.

29/11/2021

In 1824 on the formation of the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment, James Braidwood issued his new firefighters with these leather helmets. The helmet design had a skip added to the back to protect the firefighters’s neck and shoulders from falling debris and lead melted in fires.

The colours are significant. Braidwood got the Police Committee, who were in charge of the Fire Establishment in the early stages, to purchase four new fire engines and he had them painted in different colours: red, yellow, grey and blue. He issued the firefighter that ran with each of these appliances a helmet of the same colour. Accordingly, if you saw a firefighter at a fire with a red helmet you knew they was with the red fire engine and they came from No 1 station in the High Street. Yellow was stationed at Rose Street, blue at Portsburgh and grey at Braid Place.

22/11/2021

Early on in his tenure in charge of the Edinburgh Fire Brigade James Braidwood realised that passing orders at the scene of a fire was very difficult due to the noise and clamour that accompanied such events. He tried various methods of making himself heard but none were successful. Until he realised that the high pitch noise given out by the Bosuns Pipe, which had and was being used in the Royal Navy, could be heard above everything.

He devised 57 different signals on the pipe to pass orders over the fireground. Any new recruit had to learn all the signals as quickly as possible because that was all he was probably going to get in the way of orders at a fire.
The pipe in this photo is engraved ‘A.L. to A.M.R. May 15th 1872’ and was presented to him on the occasion of his promotion to Captain.

A.M.R. was Captain Andrew Milroy Ramsay who joined the Edinburgh Fire Brigade on the 5th of August 1860 and after a successful and eventful career retired in April 1897 having completed thirty six years and nine months service.