NEWS: Bid To Rebuild Bar Where Hero Firefighter Died

MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
June 23, 2010, Wednesday

THE pub that was destroyed in the blaze which killed firefighter Ewan Williamson is set to be rebuilt and may even include a tribute to the fallen hero.

Plans have been submitted to restore The Balmoral, on Dalry Road, almost a year after the pub was gutted by flames.

Owner Trust Inns intends to restore it to its original design, while discussions have also been held about creating a memorial to the 35-year-old.

Ewan is already honoured with a plaque at Lothian's fire HQ on Lauriston Place and the Evening News has been running a campaign for him to be awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

A spokesman for planning agent Sludden Design, which is involved in rebuilding the bar, said: "I know there were some discussions about putting in some kind of tribute to Ewan Williamson, but I'm not sure how advanced these discussions are.

"The process to reinstate the bar has only now just begun. It's still in the same condition it was in following the fire a year ago.

"We have now made the planning application and building control warrant for the reinstatement of the bar, and are awaiting clearance by the council.

"All of the drawings have been submitted and we're in the process of tendering someone to do the work."

Ewan was among the team of firefighters that rescued more than 20 people, including a baby, from the flats above The Balmoral in the early hours of 12 July last year before he lost his life.

A police investigation to determine the cause of the blaze is ongoing.

A spokeswoman for the Crown Office said: "We can confirm that the procurator fiscal in Edinburgh received a report into the death of Ewan Williamson.

"The investigation by Lothian and Borders Police and HSE, under the direction of the procurator fiscal, is ongoing. No decision has been taken regarding proceedings."

All of the tenants rescued that day have been rehoused, following a short period in council temporary accommodation.

A council spokesman said: "The council involvement was minimal beyond rehousing the tenants for a short space of time and ensuring that the building had been made safe.

"All of the flats above The Balmoral were private lets but we understand that the tenants have all now found alternative accommodation."

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said: "We will be working with The Balmoral to ensure that the reinstated pub does not contain any fire risks, but not to any greater extent than we would with any other commercial property."

Trust Inns declined to comment.