Strathspey fire-fighting hero given the ‘chop’ by grateful colleagues!
Friday saw the end of an era for firefighting in the strath - and a record one at that.
Douglas Macdonald has spent his last day as a Watch Commander at Carrbridge Community Response Unit.
He was the Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey District’s longest-serving firefighter and had spent over 46 years serving his community in four different units - and what an amazing job he made of it.
Dougie joined the Northern Fire Brigade on the June 7, 1978 and received a Queen’s Fire Service Medal in 2009 for his outstanding contributions.
He attended incidents far and near over the years, including the Cannich wildfire in 2023.
His colleagues told him at the farewell presentation that his expertise is going to be missed in many ways, including his knowledge at road traffic accidents, wildfires and in community safety.
In 2003, the Carrbridge volunteer unit faced the threat of closure but with support from his wife Bunty, Dougie petitioned and engaged with relevant agencies and MSP’s, helping to ensure the future of the unit was properly considered. As a result, the unit was established as one of the first Community Response Units in the UK.
Dougie’s father was in the Carrbridge unit and now his nephew Ross has recently joined to keep the MacDonald firefighting legacy going
As well as his leadership and commitment to the Unit, Dougie has run his own business and family life alongside.
The SFRS expressed their massive thanks to Dougie, Bunty and the family for everything throughout the years.
At Friday night’s gathering the brigade had a special gathering with several former firefighters from over the years turning up to bid a fond farewell to their old colleague.
The current crew, represented by Mr Macdonald’s nephew Ross, presented him with an axe, while Station Commander Nick Nethercott handed over a tally board and certificate.
