A CITY STOPS FOR EWAN; STREETS LINED FOR 'FIREMAN'S FIREMAN' WHO LAID DOWN HIS LIFE TO SAVE OTHERS.

Byline: Jack Mathieson

MORE than 15,000 people lined the streets of Edinburgh yesterday as the city stopped to honour hero fireman Ewan Williamson.

And Ewan's boss paid an emotional tribute at the funeral service to the young man he called a "firefighter's firefighter".

His voice cracking, Lothian and Border fire chief Brian Allaway added: "You were one of ours and we will miss you terribly."

Ewan died at the age of just 35 on July 12 when a floor collapsed under him as he and his colleagues tackled a massive blaze at an Edinburgh pub.

He was the first member of his brigade to be killed fighting a fire. More than 20 people were rescued from the flats above the Balmoral bar.

Yesterday, hundreds of firefighters from all over Britain joined Ewan's family and the ordinary people of Edinburgh to show their respect for his courage.

Guard Office workers, shop assistants and lunchtime drinkers came outside and stood in the pouring rain to watch Ewan's coffin pass.

The cortege left Ewan's home station at Tollcross just after 1pm. Colleagues in dress uniform mounted a guard of honour as the fire engine carrying the coffin drove slowly into the street.

The parade paused for a formal salute at fire service HQ at Lauriston Place before heading to St Giles Cathedral.

The pavements were packed solid by the time the cortege reached the Royal Mile. Hundreds of firefighters stood to attention along the route.

The rain let up briefly as six of Ewan's pals from Green Watch at Tollcross carried his coffin intochurch.

Among them was Oliver Carrigan, 29, who was injured in the Balmoral bar blaze.

More than 600 mourners gathered in the cathedral. Ewan's mother Linda, sisters Rachael and Rebecca and girlfriend Lynsey Baird sat in the front row.

Hundreds more people stood outside despite the weather and listened to the service on loudspeakers.

The Reverend Peter Graham, the moderator of the Presbytery of Edinburgh, told the congregation: "We have come together today - not only from this city but from many places - to share with family, friends and colleagues of Ewan Williamson our sense of sadness and loss."

Edinburgh Lord Provost George Grubb led the tributes. He said: "Ewan Williamson lost his life fighting a fire in the city, and he lost it on our behalf.

"Teamwork counts and firefighters know the importance of that. Ewan was a member of a team.

"Edinburgh mourns him. But it also gives thanks that one of its own firefighters gave his life in the service of others."

Brian Allaway remembered Ewan as a "wonderful, kind, amazing and cheerful man".

He added: "Ewan was determined and focused when it came to his job.

"He possessed a quiet and determined resolve. Very quickly he became a role model for some of the younger members."

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, Labour justice spokesman Richard Baker and Tory leader Annabel Goldie listened to the tributes.

MacAskill said later: "I would support any moves to ensure that Ewan's bravery is appropriately recognised. He was an extremely brave man who put his life on the line to help save lives."

Richard Baker said: "Ewan showed supreme courage and professionalism. It was humbling to join his colleagues in paying tribute."

Goldie added: "It is a sad occasion such as this which reminds us all of the huge debt we owe our emergency services."

Edinburgh councillor Michael Bridgeman, who chairs the regional fire board that covers the capital, said it was right that the city had given Ewan the "full honour he deserves".

He added: "He was a courageous man who died doing a job he loved.

"I was personally devastated when I heard the news, as I had the privilege of meeting Ewan when I spent time with his watch earlier this year."

Mark Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said Ewan's death had touched firefighters from all parts of the country. He went on: "We think of ourselves as a family, and we are united with Ewan's family in grief."

Smile

Ewan's loved ones held a private service for him in his home town of Kinross before the public memorial, and said theirlast goodbyes privately at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium.

Later, they released a statement saying: "Ewan had a wonderful spirit, a smile that would light up afootballfield and a witty sense of humour.

"He was a kind and giving person, always willing to help anyone that asked. He was not only a brother but a best friend to his sisters. He leaves a huge hole in our hearts and will be deeply missed and never forgotten."

More tributes were paid by Ewan's friends at a memorial website set up in his honour at gonetoosoon.org.

One pal remembered him as "a beautiful young man and a hero".

And another wrote: "I'll never forget you. I still can't believe we'll never share another beer and a laugh together.

"Whenever I see a fire engine screaming through Edinburgh, I'll probably still look out for big Ewan."

RECORD VIEW: Page 8

CAPTION(S):

SAD JOURNEY: A friend guards Ewan's coffin, top, on way to cathedral. LEFT: Girlfriend Lynsey at the church. ABOVE: Aftermath of the killer blaze SORROW: Comrades carry the coffin as pals and family pay tribute EVERYONE'S HERO: Ewan Williamson