Red Plaque Unveiled at West Primary to Honour Fallen Firefighters John Sydney Farrow and David Wilson
A poignant Red Plaque unveiling ceremony was held at West Primary School, Newton Street, Paisley, at 10am on Tuesday 6th May 2025, to honour the memory of firefighters John Sydney Farrow and David Wilson, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The ceremony, part of the UK-wide Red Plaque Project, brought together members of the Fire Brigades Union, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, families, local dignitaries, and the wider community to mark the service and sacrifice of the two firefighters. The Red Plaque will be installed on the school building, close to the very spot where the bomb fell during the Second World War, claiming the lives of Farrow and Wilson as they worked to protect others.
The service opened with a warm welcome by Seona Hart, the Fire Brigades Union’s Scotland Regional Treasurer. She was followed by Chief Officer Stuart Stevens of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Colin Brown, FBU Executive Council Member for Scotland, both of whom paid tribute to the courage and dedication of the fallen men.
A wreath-laying ceremony followed, with wreaths placed on behalf of the Fire Brigades Union, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the families of the firefighters, Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, Renfrewshire Schools, and other attendees. A minute’s silence was then held in solemn reflection.
The ceremony continued with speeches by Professor Shane Ewen of Leeds Beckett University, an expert on the history of firefighting in Britain; Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron; Marc Pieraccini on behalf of the family of John Sydney Farrow; and Calum Ross on behalf of the family of David Wilson. Their words painted a moving portrait of two men who gave their lives in service to their community.
A final blessing was offered by Father Jim Thompson before Seona Hart returned to deliver the closing remarks on behalf of the Fire Brigades Union, bringing the ceremony to a dignified close.
The Red Plaque Project, which began in 2017, is fully funded by proceeds from the weekly Firefighters 100 Lottery. Inspired by the English Heritage Blue Plaques, each Red Plaque is placed near the location where a firefighter lost their life, serving as both a memorial and a historical marker. These plaques offer a lasting tribute not only for the families and colleagues of fallen firefighters but also for the communities they served.
As the plaque awaits installation on West Primary School, it already stands in the hearts of those who gathered—a powerful symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring gratitude of a community that will never forget.
Paisley Photographs 