Edinburgh roads to be closed during funeral for firefighter who died in Jenners blaze

Roads will be closed across Edinburgh during the funeral for a firefighter who died after tackling a blaze at a historic former department store building.

Barry Martin, 38, from Fife, died four days after battling flames at the former Jenners store on January 23.

His death made him the first Scottish firefighter to die in the line of duty since Ewan Williamson, who died after being injured in Edinburgh in 2009.

Members of the fire service community from across Scotland will join family and friends to pay tribute at Mr Martin’s funeral, which is due to be held at St Giles’ Cathedral on Friday, February 17.

The funeral cortege will make its way from the base of the Royal Mile, arriving at the cathedral at 12.30pm when the service, by invitation, will begin, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said.

Members of the public are expected to line the Royal Mile to pay their respects during the service.

Lothian Buses announced that there will be road closures and rolling road-blocks across Edinburgh as the funeral takes place.

McDonald Road will be closed to traffic between 10.30am and 12.00pm, with rolling road-blocks to be put in place between the road and the Royal Mile.

The Royal Mile will be closed to all traffic between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

The bus company also announced that all uniformed emergency services personnel can travel free of charge on Lothian buses on Friday.