A volunteer at a tiny fire station in Argyll has been named runner-up in this year’s UK-wide firefighter of the year award.
David Millward is crew commander at Kilmelford, south of Oban.
He was the only member of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service shortlisted for the accolade at the prestigious Spirit of Fire Awards, organised by the Fire Fighters Charity.
The 59-year-old was beaten to the top spot by a London firefighter.
The awards recognise bravery within the fire community and dedication to the charity, which supports serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.
Mr Millward became a volunteer firefighter at Kilmelford 23 years ago.
As well as being on call for his own station, he works as a community safety advocate for the fire service based at Lochgilphead.
Mr Millward has written a manual giving general guidance about how to manage a volunteer station and a booklet about radio messages, both of which have been used by colleagues throughout the service.
He has also created electronic programs which save paperwork.
He works for the Fire Fighters Charity and makes home visits to firefighters and former firefighters who request assistance.
He was nominated for the award by a member of his crew.
He said: “I was really pleased for a small single pump fire station like Kilmelford to be shortlisted as one of only five in the whole of the UK.”
The winner of the this year’s firefighter of the year award was Paul Rich of London Fire Brigade.
The Fire Fighters Charity runs three rehabilitation centres, which help firefighters and their families get back on their feet after injury, illness, trauma and problems in their lives.