Commemorative plaque unveiled in tribute to firefighter from Lewis who died in the line of duty
20 May 2024
A commemorative plaque has been unveiled in honour of firefighter Roderick Macleod of Lewis who lost his life in the line of duty fighting a fire in the Highlands in 1981.
It is the first plaque of its kind to have been unveiled at Inverness fire station, and it marks as a tribute to the tragic fire at Aberchalder Lodge near Invergarry on 21 May 1981.
Roderick (Roddy) MacLeod, from North Tolsta, was serving in Inverness when his watch was called to a large fire in the lodge.
He died fighting the blaze when the building collapsed, despite the brave efforts of his colleagues to rescue him.
Roddy was on the ground floor of the property with another firefighter, working to extinguish pockets of fire in the living room, when suddenly and without warning the first floor collapsed down onto them, trapping Firefighter Macleod.
His colleagues dug with their hands through rubble and found him trapped under beams, which were too heavy to lift by hand, and hydraulic jacks had to be deployed. Despite the best efforts of a local doctor, and firefighter colleagues to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The plaque is part of the Red Plaque project, run by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery.
The ceremony was attended by family members from Lewis and the mainland, members of the public, serving and retired firefighters and local dignitaries. A piper recital was followed by a minute’s silence and wreath laying.
In a touching tribute on the wreath laid by relatives, they wrote: “Ruaraidh, you were a true hero. The void you left behind is immense, but your legacy will continue to inspire us.
“We are proud and honoured to have known you and to have the privilege of calling you family. You will forever remain in our hearts and minds.”
Speakers included Fire Brigades Union officials, with an address from Colin Brown, FBU executive council member for Scotland; Ross Haggart, chief office for Scotland Fire and Rescue Service; the Lord Provost of Inverness and Area, Glynis Sinclair Campbell; and former friend and colleague of Roderick’s, John Urquart.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said: “The Fire Brigades Union pays tribute to fallen firefighters through our Red Plaque project. It is our duty to remember those who have come before us, as part of the history of our fire and rescue service and our communities.
“Firefighters everywhere honour Roderick Macleod, and we will always remember his sacrifice.”
Seona Hart, Fire Brigades Union Scotland regional treasurer said: “By coming together in his memory, we will ensure that his bravery and service to his community will never be forgotten.
“The Red Plaque will stand at Inverness fire station as a place of remembrance and reflection for all.”
Wreaths including one from the family were laid Photos: Ross Cooper
The commemorative plaque was unveiled on Friday
