Tributes paid to Inverness fire service stalwarts

Over the Christmas festivities the retired community of Inverness firefighters lost three stalwarts of the service.

Fellow former firefighter and Inverness station commander Calum Munro said that the Highlands and the city were mourning the loss of Morag Bannigan, Bill Chisholm and Bill Murray.

Mr Munro said that while the three were not known for their high rank - they were "superb public servants" who quietly served the community over a number of years.

Mr Munro said: "The Highlands and Inverness in particular has lost three of its stalwart servants.

"Not folk who were known for their high rank but folk who were truly superb public servants who quietly served the community over many years."

He continued: "Morag Bannigan served initially as an administration worker but then swapped over to be an extremely committed and effective community fire safety advocate.

"She was extremely proud to have made the transition to the uniformed side of the service late in her working life and showed folk that you can pursue ambition and opportunity."

Ms Bannigan passed away on December 15.

Describing Bill 'Chissie' Chisholm as a decent, straightforward and completely professional firefighter who was an asset to any crew, Mr Munro said: "He was a great help to many young firefighters.

"He was always one of the first out for the inevitable stand–down football matches on the half sized pitch at the rear of the station.

"Bill was one of the lads who looked after the pitch and also used it to harvest juicy earthworms for his fishing. He used his undoubted football skills to avoid having to move far or fast.

"Any attempt at tackling Bill usually left his inpertinent opponent sprawled on the grass.

"He helped me to learn many of the skills of the firefighter’s craft and later when I was his station commander I had the horrible task of telling him that illness would end the career that he loved."

Mr Chisholm passed away on December 19.

The third loss was that of Bill Murray, a man, Mr Munro described as "a consummate professional firefighter".

He continued: "As a leading firefighter he exuded calm control and inspired confidence in the crews that he committed to buildings or rescues.

"He was a great support to any watch commander and a sound influence on the watches."

Mr Munro describes one of his most noteworthy 'shouts', he said: "Bill, along with George Murray and John Docherty were involved in the challenging rescue of workmen from the inside of an oil tanker on the hottest day of 1986.

"Bill was 50 years of age when that rescue took place but he was as committed and proficient in his task as any of his younger crew mates.

"All three of them gave of their time and talents to Fire Service and general charities and were amongst the first to volunteer to work for station fêtes, children’s parties or socials."

Mr Murray's funeral took place on December 30.

Mr Munro praised his former colleagues. He concluded: "Three very different folk who shared a love of the Fire Service and the community that it served."

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