Medal for hero campaign is set to go to Westminster

Published on Monday 27 July 2009 10:28

THE CAMPAIGN to award hero firefighter Ewan Williamson a medal for his bravery is set to be taken to Westminster.

The Evening News is calling for the 35-year-old, who lost his life battling the Balmoral Bar blaze, to be awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

Our calls have been backed by hundreds of readers as well as city politicians, Mr Williamson's colleagues, and Glasgow Airport fire hero John Smeaton – who was himself awarded the honour.

Now Edinburgh South MP Nigel Griffiths has added his support and pledged to raise a motion in Parliament.

It came as the city council opened a book of condolence for Mr Williamson at the City Chambers on the High Street. The book will be open until Wednesday for their public to leave their own tributes.

Mr Williamson was killed in the early hours of Sunday, 12 July, as he fought the fire in the Dalry Road pub.

He helped to rescue more than 20 people, including a baby, from three floors of flats above the pub before the fatal incident.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service and the city council have said they will create a fitting tribute to Mr Williamson, while Edinburgh Central MSP Sarah Boyack has also tabled a motion seeking Scottish Government support.

Mr Griffiths said today: "I think it is very important to recognise that we have an outstanding fire service, and one with a safety record that has always been of the highest standard, as it continued to provide an invaluable service to the local community. This death came as a tragic blow to everyone on the fire service, and I think the crowds of people who turned out to pay their respects to Ewan shows just how much people appreciated the service, and the selfless work they do.

"I will be writing to the Speaker to make sure that this issue can be raised in Parliament, to make sure that Ewan is given the national recognition for his actions, which tragically saw him lose his own life while saving others."

Family and friends of Mr Williamson were among thousands who turned out on Wednesday for the funeral service at St Giles, which was also attended by colleagues from fire stations across the UK. At the service, Chief fire officer Brian Allaway paid tribute to a "cheerful, friendly and remarkable man".

Add your support to our call for Ewan Williamson to be awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal at www.edinburghnews.com/ewanwilliamsonpetition