Hamish Grant
Hamish Grant lost his life in the line of duty on the 19th April 1965. His Red Plaque was unveiled on the 19th April 2025.
Dudley Hamish Grant was known as Hamish and was just 36 years old when the fire engine he was riding hit a tree en route to an emergency call from a farmhouse in Aberdeenshire. The engine overturned and Hamish tragically lost his life in the crash. Four other members of the crew were injured and hospitalised.
Newspapers at the time reported more than 1,000 people attended the funeral for Hamish.
Hamish was survived by his children Charlotte, 13, and his sons Donnie, 9, and Garry, 7 and a half, as well as his wife Charlotte. He served in the Aboyne fire brigade for 14 years, and had become the leading fireman in autumn of 1964. He worked as a mechanic at his father’s garage – and also repaired televisions and fixed aerials up in his spare time. Hamish also enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the local club.
Charlotte Paterson, Hamish’s daughter, recalled the day she heard the news of the accident and expressed her gratitude for the gesture, with the plaque unveiled at a ceremony at Aboyne Fire Station.
“That day sixty years ago our lives changed forever, when our Dad tragically lost his life while on duty with Aboyne fire brigade. I remember being taken out of school by my Uncle Alistair and told that my Dad had been in an accident while on a fire call out and my dad had passed away.
“The days after were a complete blur. Dad was buried a few days later on his 37th birthday. The accident had a huge impact on us and the local community, as he was very well known.
“We are really pleased to have the Fire Brigade Union Red Plaque in memory of our Dad put in place at Aboyne Fire Station.
“This will ensure that Dads sacrifice 60 years ago is not forgotten in history and will be a permanent reminder of Dads dedication to the fire service and to his local community.”
Fire Brigades Union Scotland Regional Treasurer Seona Hart, added:
“Firefighters and the family, friends and colleagues of Hamish Grant will never forget his bravery and dedication to protecting his community.
“Every day firefighters go to work not knowing what they will face, and we must never forget those who tragically didn’t make it home.
“This Red Plaque will provide a place of reflection and remembrance for those who knew Hamish Grant, as well as the local community and future generations of firefighters.
“By unveiling a new Red Plaque in his honour at Aboyne fire station, where he served, we aim to make sure that Hamish Grant is always remembered as part of our history.”
Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Steve Wright, commented:
“Since 2017, the Red Plaque scheme has created memorials across the UK for firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery, a charitable initiative run by the Fire Brigades Union, Red Plaques ensure that fallen firefighters are remembered as part of the history of the places they served.
“Our plaque unveiling events bring firefighters together with local communities to share memories and honour those who have lost their lives. Every plaque tells a story of bravery and commitment to protecting the lives of others.”
Below are memories added by those who knew Hamish Grant or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Hamish Grant that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
Please help support our Firefighters with the Firefighters 100 Lottery, a weekly online lottery created to support firefighters, their bereaved families and to honour the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters killed in the line of duty. With your help we can have schemes such as the Red Plaque Project for memorials to those lives lost.
Learn about the history of the Red Plaque Project and discover other Firefighters that have also received Red Plaques.
Photo credits: Craig McLean
