Firefighter is honoured for crash rescue

Group Commander Thomas McGrath was on his way home after attending a serious road traffic accident in Peebles when he encountered a two-car collision on the A701 near Gowkley Moss roundabout outside Penicuik on August 19 last year.

He bravely and selflessly performed the duties of a firefighter making every effort to save the lives of the two occupants.

The car’s passenger, 20-year-old soldier Jamie Candlish, from Hamilton, later died from his injuries.

Mr McGrath was among 24 other individuals who were presented with a Brave@Heart award by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Edinburgh Castle.

She said: “Each Brave@Heart award winner has risen to the challenge of the unexpected and shown the capacity to face and overcome danger in any number of forms. Each winner has stepped out of ordinary life and shown an extraordinary valour.

“They are all heroes and it is my privilege to present them with their awards.”