As Newtonmore sees its hottest day, Watch Commander departs
Tributes have been paid to the 27 years of dedicated service given to Newtonmore Community Response Unit by Watch Commander Colin Stewart.
The 53-year-old firefighter has his regrets about retiring from the Service but told the Strathy on Saturday - as the strath saw its hottest day - that he wouldn’t miss wildfires such as those we have encountered over the last few weeks.
“They have definitely been the worst we have seen. Very difficult to deal with and the ground so incredibly at the mercy of the winds which come and go as they please and whip up so much trouble when you think you’re on top of the problem.
“I’ll miss the team work - they’re a great unit at Newtonmore - and I’ll miss the opportunity to help the community in that way, but not the kind of challenges we’ve had to contend with lately.
“They have been very extensive and we still have a long way to go, with ghillies and land workers doing a great job keeping their eye on things.”
But he stressed: “I will still be around to help the community in any way I can. I’ve still plenty of year left in me!”
His colleagues at the Unit have posted their respects to Mr Stewart, who had become the longest-serving crew member: “He has been the cornerstone of the unit and the driving force behind everything the station is and has achieved today.
“Colin’s determination (and sheer stubbornness!) proved instrumental in keeping Newtonmore station operational during the proposed restructuring of the early 2000s.
“As part of that effort, he persuaded several crew members to volunteer alongside him as first responders with the Scottish Ambulance Service – a commitment they upheld for over a decade. Another testament to Colin’s dedication to serving others in every way possible.”
The Unit praised his encyclopaedic knowledge of Scotland’s geography, which had made him such a vital asset in responding to wildfires across the Highlands.
“With colleagues in every corner of the country, he somehow always knew what was happening before anyone else - and he could reliably guide crews not only through remote terrain, but also to the nearest coffee shop and chip shop on the way home.
“As Watch Commander, Colin led with a unique combination of experience, instinct and humour. His presence at the station will be deeply missed and his retirement leaves a huge void within the fire service and his own ‘wee’ station.”
All pictures courtesy of Newtonmore Community Response Unit.
