Search for family of firefighter killed in an accident in 1937

Firefighters hope to track down the family of a fireman who died after falling from a fire engine in an incident almost 90 years ago.

George MacDougall was a member of an Inverness crew called out to a blaze at Beaufort Castle, near Beauly, on 1 June 1937.

The engine was open sided and Mr MacDougall fell when the vehicle was at Clachnaharry Bridge.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is planning to install a plaque at Inverness Fire Station in his honour and hope to invite his relatives to the unveiling.

The FBU believes some of Mr MacDougall's family might be living in Edinburgh.

It said it would be "tragic" if relatives were unaware of the commemoration.

Calum Munro, a retired Inverness firefighter involved in the search, said Mr MacDougall died while serving his community.

"It is only right to have his memory honoured, and to have his family know that George will never be forgotten," he said.

Dan Fitzsimmons, of the FBU, added: "His tragic death prompted the service to improve safety for future firefighters.

"This plaque will ensure that George is always remembered as part of the history of Inverness, and our fire and rescue service."

The union's Red Plaque project is funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery and remembers firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty across the UK.

Last year, a plaque was unveiled at Inverness Fire Station to a firefighter who died in a blaze more than 40 years ago.

Roderick MacLeod, from Lewis, was among firefighters sent to a large fire at Aberchalder Lodge, near Invergarry, on 21 May 1981.

The 25-year-old died when a ceiling in the 19th Century guest house collapsed.