THE widow of a West Fife firefighter who died in the line of duty has paid tribute to her husband a year on from his death.

Barry Martin, from Rosyth, tragically died on January 27 last year from serious injuries sustained while he was tackling a large-scale fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh.

Two plaques to remember dad-of-two Barry and celebrate his life were unveiled at the Macdonald Road Fire Station in the city this week.

Shelley Martin said her husband's death had brought "profound" loss.

“Barry Martin was, and will always remain, the heart and soul of our family," she said. "There is nothing right about our profound loss, but what we must do, is do right with what we are forced to live with. That is, living a life without him physically here to have and to hold.

“Therefore, what is right, is to celebrate our extraordinary Barry, who shines through his beautiful sons Oliver and Daniel, and forever blazes with a ferocious love in our hearts.

"We thank everyone who helped us to make this day about Our Barry.”

A Fire Brigade Union (FBU) red plaque and a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Memorial Plaque were put in place at a private ceremony attended by members of Barry’s family, fire service colleagues and their families, along with representatives from the FBU and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The Red Plaque project is funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery and creates memorials for firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty across the UK.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “As we mark one year since he lost his life in the line of duty, Barry Martin and his loved ones will be in the thoughts of firefighters everywhere.

“The plaques unveiled in his memory will provide a place of reflection and remembrance for all who knew him, and for future generations of firefighters to pay their respects.

“The Fire Brigades Union honours Barry’s dedication and bravery. We commemorate his life and work with pride, and we will ensure he is remembered always.”

Seona Hart, Fire Brigades Union Scotland treasurer, added: “The Red Plaques play an important role for the loved ones of the firefighters they remember, as well as sharing their stories with the community.

"As we unveil the FBU Red Plaque at McDonald Road Fire Station, we are not only gathered to remember Barry, but also to celebrate him as husband, father, son, comrade, brother and friend.”