An air force firefighter has marked 40 years of service in Moray.
John Ross first set foot on the RAF Lossiemouth base as a fresh-faced 19-year-old in the summer of 1974.
He progressed to leading firefighter in 1978, station officer in 1980 and has completed various detached duties across the UK as well as in Sardinia and Arctic Norway.
He was also posted on his promotion to sub-officer to RNAD Coulport in 1996 for three years before returning to RAF Lossiemouth where, in 2010, he was promoted to acting station manager.
He said he had enjoyed his career in the Defence Fire Service and had seen many different aircraft come and go and significant changes at RAF Lossiemouth over the past four decades.
He said: “It feels amazing to have reached 40 years service here.
“It doesn’t seem nearly so long and, overall, I can say it’s been a great career, which I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve met lots of amazing people and made lots of friends in the service throughout the country.”
Mr Ross lives in Lossiemouth with his partner Beth, and is the father of a grown-up son and daughter.
He hopes to continue his career with the fire service for the foreseeable future.
He was surprised by the presentation of a print of a local scene by Group Captain Mark Chappell, RAF Lossiemouth’s station commander, and fire station manager Iain Spence.
Mr Spence said: “John has dedicated 40 years to the fire service and RAF Lossiemouth, and I’m really pleased we were able to recognise his commitment and dedication.”