UK

Barry Martin funeral: Firefighter who died tackling blaze at historic Jenners building to be laid to rest

February 17, 2023
Barry Martin funeral: Firefighter who died tackling blaze at historic Jenners building to be laid to rest

A brave firefighter who was always there for people during their “time of greatest need” will be laid to rest on Friday.

Barry Martin, 38, was critically injured while battling a blaze at the historic Jenners building in Edinburgh on 23 January. He died in hospital four days later.

Mr Martin, the much-loved father of eight-year-old twins Oliver and Daniel, was described as a “loving and attentive” dad.

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Mr Martin will be laid to rest on Friday. Pic: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

‘Our love for him will last forever’

His doting wife Shelley, 36, said: “He was a busy dad, transporting our sons to their various activities, and being there for them. I felt utterly privileged to be his wife throughout our life together, and always will.

“Barry was motivated, proud, and driven to be the best he could be, for himself, for his family, for his colleagues, and for the community and wider public.

“Being there for people, during their time of greatest need, meant everything to him in his career.

“Our love, admiration, and respect for him will last forever.”

A number of tributes have been placed outside the Jenners building, and earlier this week firefighters across the UK held a minute’s silence in his memory.

Minute's silence at Dumfries Fire Station, in memory of Barry Martin who died while fighting a fire at Edinburgh's historic Jenners building.
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Earlier this week firefighters across the UK held a minute’s silence in Mr Martin’s memory

Later on Friday, colleagues from across Scotland will join Mr Martin’s family and friends in paying tribute at his funeral service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The funeral cortege will make its way from the foot of The Royal Mile, arriving at the cathedral at 12.30pm when the service, by invitation, will begin.

It will be followed by a private committal.

Jenners on fire in scotland
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The cause of the blaze is yet to be made public
Firefighters tackle a blaze at the Jenners building in Edinburgh. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to fire at the former department store at 11.29am, and the building was found "well alight". A total of 10 fire appliances have been sent to the scene on Rose Street in the city centre. Picture date: Wednesday October 26, 2022.
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Pic: Councillor Norman Work

Prior to joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Mr Martin was a pest control technician and set up his own company with his wife.

He was said to be passionate about health and fitness and had a particular interest in the tattoo industry.

Mr Martin was based at McDonald Road Community Fire Station in Edinburgh and was part of the Blue Watch.

‘A friend to many’

Ross Haggart, interim chief officer of the SRFS, said: “Our thoughts remain very firmly with Barry Martin’s family as we plan to come together at St Giles’ Cathedral to pay our respects.

“Barry was a much-loved husband, father, son, and friend to many. His Blue Watch colleagues and the wider service will ensure that Barry’s selfless duty will never be forgotten.”

Mr Martin, from Fife, is the first Scottish firefighter to die in the line of duty since Ewan Williamson, who died after being injured in Edinburgh in 2009.

MSPs have called for Mr Martin to be posthumously awarded the George Cross, an accolade which dates back to 1940 and recognises acts of extreme bravery carried out by civilians.