Hero Edinburgh firefighter who died in pub blaze remembered during special service
An emotional commemoration service has taken place 16 years after an Edinburgh firefighter lost his life in a ferocious pub blaze.
Heroic Ewan Williamson sadly died in the line of duty when an inferno engulfed the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road.
Ewan was one of the first crew members on scene and tragically became trapped after entering the building. However, his bravery has never been forgotten as 16 people, including a baby, were rescued from the building.
The 35-year-old was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station and entered the building wearing breathing apparatus before becoming trapped. The outcome of the tragic blaze may have been very different if not for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues.
A special commemoration service was held in front of St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh on Saturday. In attendance was Ewan's family, the SFRS Chief Officer, Deputy Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron and representatives from the Fire Brigade Union.
During the service, a minute's silence was observed, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
(Image: SFRS)
Chief Officer Stevens said: 'Sixteen years ago Ewan Williamson lost his life in the line of duty. Ewan, his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones, will always remain in our thoughts.
'Ewan's ultimate sacrifice reminds us of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to, to protect and to serve our communities across the country.
'The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will always remember Ewan. We will continue to commemorate his life and honour his selfless dedication and bravery.'
(Image: Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service/PA Wire)
The Williamson family, Linda, Rachel and Rebecca said: 'Ewan's family would like to extend their thanks to Ewan's colleagues and friends at Tollcross Green Watch and the Fire Brigades Union for their support and friendship in the years following Ewan's tragic passing. His big, beautiful smile lives on in our hearts.'
On July 12 2009, the alarm was raised shortly before midnight following a fire in the basement of the bar. As it spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the blaze in the basement and ground floor.
This enabled colleagues to work on rescuing over a dozen casualties from the flats above who were endangered by smoke and flames.
On July 4, 2025, it was announced Ewan Williamson would receive an Elizabeth Emblem in recognition of his sacrifice in the line of duty. The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who have died in public service.
John McKenzie, Fire Brigades Union Regional Secretary for Scotland said: Ewan was a friend to all who knew him and a brilliant firefighter and comrade. He paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public and our thoughts are with Linda, Rachel, Rebecca, Ewan's colleagues and all those that loved him. He will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts.'
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Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: 'Today we honour Ewan's memory, his service and selfless bravery in the line of duty.
'Sixteen years ago on that fateful day, Ewan tragically lost his life in the service of others. This is public service of the most noble and selfless kind.
'Ewan's courage, sacrifice and dedication reminds us that true heroism lives not in grand gestures but in daily acts of selflessness, demonstrated daily by all those working in our emergency services facing danger with bravery and courage to keep each and all of us, and our communities, safe.'
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2 days ago
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Hero Edinburgh firefighter who died in pub blaze remembered during special service
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An emotional commemoration service has taken place 16 years after an Edinburgh firefighter lost his life in a ferocious pub blaze. Heroic Ewan Williamson sadly died in the line of duty when an inferno engulfed the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road. Ewan was one of the first crew members on scene and tragically became trapped after entering the building. However, his bravery has never been forgotten as 16 people, including a baby, were rescued from the building. The 35-year-old was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station and entered the building wearing breathing apparatus before becoming trapped. The outcome of the tragic blaze may have been very different if not for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues. A special commemoration service was held in front of St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh on Saturday. In attendance was Ewan's family, the SFRS Chief Officer, Deputy Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron and representatives from the Fire Brigade Union. During the service, a minute's silence was observed, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. (Image: SFRS) Chief Officer Stevens said: 'Sixteen years ago Ewan Williamson lost his life in the line of duty. Ewan, his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones, will always remain in our thoughts. 'Ewan's ultimate sacrifice reminds us of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to, to protect and to serve our communities across the country. 'The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will always remember Ewan. We will continue to commemorate his life and honour his selfless dedication and bravery.' (Image: Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service/PA Wire) The Williamson family, Linda, Rachel and Rebecca said: 'Ewan's family would like to extend their thanks to Ewan's colleagues and friends at Tollcross Green Watch and the Fire Brigades Union for their support and friendship in the years following Ewan's tragic passing. His big, beautiful smile lives on in our hearts.' On July 12 2009, the alarm was raised shortly before midnight following a fire in the basement of the bar. As it spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the blaze in the basement and ground floor. This enabled colleagues to work on rescuing over a dozen casualties from the flats above who were endangered by smoke and flames. On July 4, 2025, it was announced Ewan Williamson would receive an Elizabeth Emblem in recognition of his sacrifice in the line of duty. The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who have died in public service. John McKenzie, Fire Brigades Union Regional Secretary for Scotland said: Ewan was a friend to all who knew him and a brilliant firefighter and comrade. He paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public and our thoughts are with Linda, Rachel, Rebecca, Ewan's colleagues and all those that loved him. He will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts.' Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: 'Today we honour Ewan's memory, his service and selfless bravery in the line of duty. 'Sixteen years ago on that fateful day, Ewan tragically lost his life in the service of others. This is public service of the most noble and selfless kind. 'Ewan's courage, sacrifice and dedication reminds us that true heroism lives not in grand gestures but in daily acts of selflessness, demonstrated daily by all those working in our emergency services facing danger with bravery and courage to keep each and all of us, and our communities, safe.'
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