Today marks the 63rd Anniversary of the Cheapside Street Disaster where 19 firefighters lost their lives while tackling a fire at a whisky bond in Glasgow.

A commemorative ceremony took place at Glasgow’s Necropolis today at 11am. Wreaths were laid in honour as family members and the SFRS paid their respects.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has paid tribute to 19 firefighters and crew who died tackling a warehouse blaze 60 years ago.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, a wreath was laid at a memorial in Glasgow instead of the usual service.

Fourteen firefighters and five members of the Salvage Corps died tackling a blaze at a whisky bond in Cheapside Street, on 28 March 1960.

It was the biggest loss of life ever suffered by the UK's fire services.

SFRS statement , "Today we remember the 19 men who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people of Glasgow from harm.

"The loss at Cheapside Street was catastrophic. It continues to resonate to this day, and the spirit and bravery of these firefighters will never be forgotten.


"These men were devoted fathers, husbands, brothers and sons. Their bravery represents a proud part of our history, and our thoughts will always be with their families."

An explosion inside the building caused its 60ft walls to crash down into the streets below.

The men who died putting out the fire at the Arbuckle, Smith and Company bond were:

Sub officers James Calder and John McPherson;
Firemen John Allan, Christopher Boyle, Gordon Chapman, William Crocket, Archibald Darroch, Daniel Davidson, Alfred Dickinson, Alexander Grassie, George McIntyre, Edward McMillan, Ian McMillan and William Watson;
Superintendent salvageman Edward Murray,
Leading salvageman James McLellan; and
Salvagemen Gordon McMillan, James Mungall and William Oliver.