A FORMER Inverclyde fire chief who runs one of the area's biggest visitor attraction is leading celebrations to mark 200 years of the life-saving service.
Retired Group Commander Dave Adams and his team of volunteers welcome around 8,000 people a year to the Greenock Fire Museum, which is located within the old station in the historic municipal buildings.
He is now organising a fundraising charity gala concert for the Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust charity to help keep the doors open.
It will also be a fitting musical tribute to mark the service, which was founded by James Braidwood in 1824.
Dave, who is the chair of the trust, said: "We have organised a few gala concerts over the years at the Beacon. But this is a very special one because it marks the 200th anniversary.
"It is fitting to have it in Greenock. James Braidwood set up the first ever fire service in Edinburgh, and then Greenock was the second station to open not long after that.
"James then went down to London to set the fire service up there.
"We are organising this fundraising gala in the Beacon to mark the 200th anniversary and to raise funds for the heritage trust.
"There will be a 50 piece band and pipers as well. It will be a great concert.
"I am hoping people will turn out and support the work that we do."
The Greenock Fire Museum, one of two in Scotland run by the heritage trust, is one of Inverclyde's most popular visitor attractions.
Visitors are greeted with vintage engines, machinery and uniforms while telling the story of the fire brigade down the years.
Dave and his fellow volunteers open it up when cruise ships come into the town, for other special events, and on the last Sunday of every month from 10 to 4pm.
He said: "We are always really busy. It has been a difficult year, and footfall is down because of the works going on with the municipal building. But it is only temporary this year.
"We can get up to 200 to visitors a day but that has fallen to about 100 this year."
The Royal Regiment of Scotland band will take to the stage at the Beacon on Friday, September 13 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £15, with concessions £12, and are available at the Beacon on 723723 or at beaconartscentre.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel