Adrian McGill

Adrian McGill lost his life in the line of duty on the 18th November 1972. His Red Plaque was unveiled on the 24th October 2022.

Adrian, 34, lost his life after a fire broke out at a disused wallpaper shop on Maryhill Road on November 18, 1972. As firefighters worked tirelessly to save the flats above the shop, the blaze spread to a row of tenements on Great Western Road. Heroic sub officer McGill gave his breathing apparatus to a resident who was trapped in her top floor flat on Maryhill Road. Firefighters rescued the resident by ladder but she passed away soon after and sub officer McGill succumbed to the effects of smoke inhalation.

Sub officer McGill was married to wife Eileen, and had three children – Stephen, Shirley and Alan – who were aged, nine, eight and nine months. The lives of more than 200 people in the area were saved as fire crews led them through smoke to safety or rescued them using ladders. A total of 50 families were made homeless after the fire. He was the eighth Glasgow firefighter to die in a fire in three months, with seven firefighters dying in the Kilbirnie Street textile warehouse blaze in August, and the 27th to have lost their life in the previous 12 years.

A memorial service was held on Friday, November 18 at the heritage plaque at Maryhill Road, Glasgow. Attending the service were family members, SFRS area commander David Murdoch who is the local senior officer for Glasgow, crews from Maryhill Fire Station and SFRS chaplains.

Speaking at the memorial service, sub officer McGill’s son Stephen, who is now 59, said:

“I remember it was a Saturday. He went to work and never came back. We heard on the teatime BBC News that there had been a big fire in Glasgow and a firefighter had died but we weren’t unduly concerned because he went to a lot of big fires. But at around 7pm two senior firefighters came to our door in full dress code – and as soon as we opened the door we knew what news they were bringing. It was a long time ago but it’s still fresh in my mind. My mum was only in her early 30s and with a young family.”

“What happened was sad but we were lucky, we were never alone. We had financial and emotional support from the fire service, right through our teenage years. If my mum was here she would be thrilled he’s getting this day in his memory. My dad was a very gregarious and fun man. He loved life and he loved being a firefighter. This is a celebration of his life and what he did.”

Stephen also followed his father’s career and served as a firefighter for around seven years with Glasgow Fire Brigade, based at the city’s Cowcaddens Fire Station. He was also seconded to the then North West Fire Station – now Maryhill Fire Station – where his dad was stationed.

“It was quite surreal to be walking around the rooms and the dorms where he had spent his last days and where he would have been stationed that day when the engine left.”

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, said:

“Firefighters will always do everything they can to save lives. Adrian McGill’s bravery extended to laying his life down in an attempt to save another. It is so important that what he did is never forgotten. Red Plaques help firefighters to feel connected to those who came before them and helps them to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Fire Brigades Union is proud and privileged to play a role in making sure that Adrian McGill is remembered.”

Seona Hart, FBU Scotland Regional Treasurer, said:

“Adrian McGill made a split-second decision out of care for someone else, a stranger who he had never met before, and a decision which he would have known came with huge risk. It is self-sacrifice on an almost indescribable scale. There’s a quote that states that there is no more stirring symbol of our humanity towards others than a fire engine. Adrian McGill and what he did personify that.

“This plaque will ensure that the Glasgow community knows about the sacrifice that Adrian McGill made, and it will help Glasgow’s firefighters remember one of their own.”

Area commander David Murdoch, SFRS local senior officer for Glasgow, said:

“It is an honour to be here today and to stand with the McGill family and friends as we remember firefighter Adrian McGill. This is a fitting tribute to a brave man who made the ultimate sacrifice to help save lives and protect communities. He will never be forgotten. His spirit lives on in each and every one of our firefighters today as they approach their role with that same commitment and selfless dedication.”

At Adrian McGill’s funeral the then-Archbishop of Glasgow, James D. Scanlan, said:

“So often our firemen have to risk their lives protecting us in Glasgow from fire. The example of this brave fireman and his predecessors who have given their lives so unstintingly and unhesitatingly will be an inspiration to all of us… When his children grow up they will be able to tell their children, and their children’s children of the epic heroism of their father”.

The incident began after a serious fire developed in a shop on Maryhill Road, Glasgow. A witness statement stated that a “massive flashover” occurred. People were encompassed in black smoke including on the road outside.

Firefighters rescued 15 people by ladders and guided more than 200 out of the smoke filled area, and fifty families were made homeless in the fire. 15 fire engines were involved in the incident. Four other firefighters were treated for injuries, including one who fell 30 feet.

Below are memories added by those who knew Adrian McGill or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Adrian McGill that you wish to add, please include your memory below.

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Photo credits: Fire Brigades Union and Daily Record