It was a sombre day in Edinburgh as countless firefighters, residents and tourists lined the Royal Mile to pay their respects to fallen firefighter Barry Martin.
Martin, 38, tragically lost his life on January 27, four days after sustaining injuries while tackling a fire at the former Jenners building on Princes Street.
His funeral procession saw mourners walk towards St Giles' Cathedral whilst a fire engine from McDonald Street station carried the coffin of the heroic emergency services employee.
READ MORE: Edinburgh locals line Royal Mile at hero Jenners firefighter Barry Martin's funeral
The family of the Fife firefighter then followed on with floral tributes such as ‘Daddy’ visible in the windows.
A piper played Scotland the Brave as the cortege approached the cathedral and hundreds of firefighters created a respectful guard of honour along the Royal Mile before forming ranks outside of where the service was held.
Touching tributes were made to the firefighter who was celebrated as a man who put his colleagues first. As his coffin left St Giles', the watching crowd broke out in a spontaneous round of applause.
It was noted that he would always be on hand to ensure that everyone looked their best for drills and that he had an inspiring presence for those around him.
Following the service, we spoke to Jim McDonald and Bob Mckay, both of whom are retired Edinburgh firefighters who volunteer at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage.
They had attended the service to pay their respects to a fallen comrade and to support the family of Barry Martin. “We came down here number one to pay our respects and to pass our condolences onto the family for what has happened,” Jim said.
Bob added that he was “devastated” and that the pair of them are retired firefighters who worked across the city of Edinburgh including at McDonald Road.
Jim, who retired 36 years ago added: “It was a great turnout and everyone did the service proud. It was good to see for the family.”
Bob said that he remembers being at a service in 2009 for Ewan Williamson who died after becoming trapped in a toilet whilst tackling a blaze in Dalry.
He said: “It is the same feeling as back then. We have lost one of our own who has died carrying out their service.”
Kirstine Mowat, from Dumfries, was visiting family in Edinburgh when she saw the news report that the funeral would take place the following day.
“I stayed overnight in Edinburgh visiting family and heard on the news and it was the first I knew of it,” she said. "Then this morning I saw tributes down at Jenners with everyones messages. I just think the firefighters do such an amazing job.
“After seeing that I thought I should come and pay my respects. The service was very moving and all the words were very prominent.
“He wasn't just a fireman, he was so many other things including a well loved family member. Firefighters do an amazing job. I’m a retired nurse and everyday you go to work you do not know what will hit you in the face.”
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