James Braidwood

Blipped this lovely statue of James Braidwood in Parliament Square, off the Royal Mile.

James Braidwood (1800-1861) founded the world's first municipal fire service in Edinburgh in 1824, and was the first director of the London Fire Engine Establishment (the brigade which was eventually to become the London Fire Brigade). He is credited with the development of the modern municipal fire service.

The statue was erected in 2008 (sculpted by Kenneth Mckay), and the dedication reads:

" James Braidwood 1800 - 1861

Father of the British Fire Service

This statue is dedicated to the memory of James Braidwood, a pioneer of the scientific approach to fire-fighting. It also recognises the courage and sacrifice of fire-fighters, not only in Lothian & Borders Fire and Rescue Service, but all over the world".

Here's to firefighters the world over.