Crowds line street for funeral of Jenners firefighter Barry Martin

Thousands of people lined the streets in Edinburgh to pay tribute to a firefighter who died after being critically injured tackling a blaze.

Barry Martin, 38, died in hospital four days after being hurt in the fire at the former Jenners department store.

Firefighters and members of the public stood in silence near St Giles' Cathedral as the coffin arrived on a fire engine.

A piper played as the coffin was carried in for the memorial service.

Flags were lowered to half mast and there were tears among the firefighters as the service was played out across the Royal Mile.

The funeral cortege had begun its journey at the McDonald Road Fire Station, where Mr Martin was based as part of the Blue Watch.

There was a sombre mood as crowds of people gathered on both sides of the High Street to pay their respects.

Hundreds of firefighters in full uniform lined the street as people started filing into the cathedral an hour before the funeral.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart delivered a eulogy to Mr Martin, who was from Fife.

He said: "The death of a fellow firefighter is deeply felt throughout the whole fire and rescue service community - not just across Scotland but around the UK and beyond.

"He had an unwavering commitment not only to his family, but also to being a firefighter."

When he joined the fire brigade in 2020, Mr Martin had stood out to his instructors as someone who displayed courage and put others before himself.

"Barry was enthusiastic and passionate and he remained that way throughout his time in the fire and rescue service," added Mr Haggart.

"He was the epitome of what you would want in a colleague and friend - hardworking and loyal, he always had your back."

Beccy Crawford, 38, from Midlothian, was among those who had gathered outside to pay their respects.

She told BBC Scotland: "I came today specifically to pay my respects to Barry.

"My husband used to be in the Army so he's lost colleagues before, so we know the comfort it can give the family and his colleagues by coming today.

"It looks like a lot of people have come for the same reason, which is lovely to see."

Triona Foley, 47, from London, also joined the crowd outside the cathedral.

"I want to take a minute to remember what a dangerous job firefighters do for us," she said.

Paying tribute to her husband ahead of the service, Mr Martin's wife Shelley described him as a remarkable man who was exhilarated to be a firefighter.

She said their eight-year-old twin sons, Oliver and Daniel, "could not have wished for a more loving and attentive father".

"He was a busy dad, transporting our sons to their various activities, and being there for them," she added.

"I felt utterly privileged to be his wife throughout our life together and always will."

Before joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Mr Martin was a pest control technician and set up his own company with his wife.

Mrs Martin said he was passionate about health and fitness and had a particular interest in the tattoo industry.

"Barry was motivated, proud, and driven to be the best he could be, for himself, for his family, for his colleagues, and for the community and wider public," Mrs Martin added.

"Being there for people, during their time of greatest need, meant everything to him in his career."

Mr Martin was the first Scottish firefighter to die in the line of duty since Ewan Williamson, who died after being injured in Edinburgh in 2009.

Firefighters across the UK held a minute's silence to remember Mr Martin on Monday.

In Turkey, firefighters from the UK International Search and Rescue Team helping in the earthquake recovery effort also stopped to pay their respects.

The owner of the Jenners building told BBC Scotland that a permanent memorial to Mr Martin would be erected in the building.

Anders Krogh Vogdrup, the director of AAA United, flew in from Denmark to attend the service, which he described as "very moving".

"Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathy are with his family at this difficult time," he said.

"Barry Martin lost his life protecting the lives of others, and he will always be remembered for his bravery and act of heroism.

"Currently, we are looking into how we can honour his memory in the Jenners building."

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said Mr Martin's death was a reminder of the "immense bravery and selflessness of those in our emergency services".

Mr Martin was one of more than 100 firefighters involved in tackling the "serious and complex fire" at the Jenners building on 23 January.

Two other firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation in hospital, and two were treated for burns. A police officer also received treatment.

One of the oldest department stores in the world, the Jenners building was undergoing a four-year restoration project.

MSPs have called for Mr Martin to be posthumously awarded the George Cross, an accolade which dates back to 1940 and recognises acts of extreme bravery carried out by civilians.