Tributes to 'dedicated' Scots firefighter found dead days after disappearance
Tributes have been paid to a 'dedicated' Scots firefighter who was found dead after going missing in England.
The body of Richard Scott from Oban was discovered by police in Derbyshire on June 24.
The 56-year-old had been reported missing on June 19, after leaving Chesterfield Hospital.
Formal identification has taken his place, and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
Scott joined the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in 2016 after serving nearly ten years as a firefighter in Humberside.
He transferred to the wholetime crew at Oban Community Fire Station and in 2018 became a volunteer firefighter at Dalmally Community Fire Station.
In 2022, he also served in East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute as part of the service's community action team.
He was described as a 'professional and dedicated' firefighter and was well-liked and highly respected amongst his colleagues and friends.
Flags are flying at half-mast at all SFRS sites as a mark of respect.
Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service said on Facebook: 'It is with great sadness that we share the news that firefighter Richard Scott, who was previously reported missing, has tragically been found deceased.
'As a mark of respect, we have lowered our station flag.
'Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences are with Richard's family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.'
The Derbyshire Constabulary said: 'Officers searching for Richard, who was reported missing from Chesterfield, have found a body.
'His family are aware and our thoughts are with them at this time.
'A formal ID has taken place. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.'
Another tribute read: 'It is with great sadness that we share, alongside our firefighter colleagues, the tragic news that Firefighter Richard Scott — previously reported missing — has been found deceased.
'Richard was not only a valued firefighter but also a proud former RAF serviceman. His dedication, bravery, and service to others will never be forgotten.
'Our hearts go out to Richard's family, friends, and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. We stand together in grief and remembrance.'
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander Joe McKay said: 'Firefighter Richard Scott was a friend and valued colleague who served and protected communities across East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute area for around six years.
'We are profoundly sad at the news of his passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.'
The Fire Fighters Charity said: 'Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Firefighter and RAF veteran Richard Scott and we send our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
'While our flags will fly at half-mast in tribute, please know we are here if you need to talk – our confidential Crisis Line is open 24/7.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Christopher McBurnie's mum pays tribute to her 'best friend' son
The mother of a 14-year-old who was fatally stabbed last month has paid tribute to her "best boy" and "best friend".Christopher McBurnie, of Bromet Road in Castletown, died in Ramsey on 29 May. Rebecca Parker described her son as a "lovable comedian" who loved animals and was passionate about Liverpool Football Club."He wasn't just my son," she said. "He was my best friend, he was my world, he was my life." A 14-year-old boy charged with Christopher's murder will next appear in court on 2 Parker said Christopher and his four siblings meant everything to said his death had "absolutely shattered" her, adding "it's more than heartbreak - it's indescribable". Ms Parker said her son was "football mad" and had played for Colby Football Club on the island for several years, where he had been "absolutely over the moon" to be awarded the under-12 player of the said she shared a special bond with "kind and empathetic" Christopher."Every night when he came home we'd have this routine," she said. "He'd come up to my bedroom and sit on my bed and we'd just have a natter."We were very open with each other. Because he had quite an older head on his shoulders as well, you could have a conversation with him about things." Ms Parker said she had been "getting flooded with photos and videos" from Christopher's friends since his death, which showed he was "just very well-loved"."His friends have sent me videos and pictures of him being the clown really, doing jokes and all that, and that was him in a bubble. Just the best." She said Christopher's funeral on Friday would be "his big day" and a chance to "celebrate" him."I don't like to call it a funeral so I've just been calling it Christopher's day," she Parker said the procession would start from the family's home in Castletown "because he didn't make it home, so I've got to bring him home".Reflecting on life without her eldest son, she said: "Everywhere I go I can see his smile. It's like I can see him but I can't see him, every memory's coming back."All I keep thinking about is the night-time, because I think that was our special time, just me and him having a little natter before bed. That was our time."The service will begin at TheAbbey Church in Ballasalla at 10:30 BST. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scots woman kept 28 animals in 'rubbish and excrement' in 'appalling' incident
"The smell was overwhelming, and the interior conditions were truly appalling. The floor was completely obscured by a foot-high layer of rubbish, excrement, and discarded items." A Scots dog walker has been given a disqualification order for five years for dogs, cats and other pets after keeping more than 20 animals in squalid conditions. On Monday June 23, Sarah Cummines appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court where she pled guilty to failing to meet the basic welfare needs of dogs, cats and a ferret in her care. Cummines worked as a dog walker and pet sitter when the incidents occurred and admitted to multiple counts of animal neglect after being found keeping animals in a home described as one of the worst ever seen by Scottish SPCA inspectors, reports Aberdeen Live. Inspectors discovered a shocking scene of nine adult dogs, nine puppies, four adult cats, five kittens, and one ferret living among piles of waste, excrement, and debris. The animals had no access to clean resting areas, food, or water, and many were exposed to dangerous and unhygienic conditions. A Scottish SPCA inspector said: "We received a complaint in October 2024 about potential neglect at Cummines' property. On arrival, the smell was overwhelming, and the interior conditions were truly appalling. The floor was completely obscured by a foot-high layer of rubbish, excrement, and discarded items. "Cats were living on top of kitchen cabinets among faeces and filth. The kitchen sink was full of rubbish and clearly had not been in use for some time. The animals had no access to clean areas and were forced to groom themselves in filth, posing serious health risks." "One small dog was seen climbing over piles of waste and jumping between appliances to avoid touching the floor. All the animals were frightened, and the cats were visibly nervous. This was no environment for any animal or human." The investigation also found that the animals were navigating over old dog crates and hazardous items to reach basic spaces like the kitchen or doors. Evidence of chewed beds and distressed behaviours indicated prolonged suffering and stress. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The inspector continued: "We were horrified not only by the condition of the animals but by the state of the entire home. The bedroom was one of the worst rooms we've encountered, and a box room was barricaded shut inside, a ferret had escaped its cage. These were among the worst living conditions for both animals and a human we have ever witnessed." Despite being offered help and the opportunity to relinquish the animals voluntarily, Cummines refused. The Scottish SPCA then removed the animals for their welfare. Alongside her sentence, Cummines was given a community payback order with supervision for one year. A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA added: "We welcome the court's decision today. No animal should be forced to live in such filth and fear. This outcome sends a clear message that neglecting the welfare of animals will not be tolerated in Scotland." The Scottish SPCA encourages anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal or if they suspect signs of animal neglect to contact their confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots firefighter found dead a week after he vanished from hospital as tributes flood in from across UK
Firefighter Richard Scott, 56, was an RAF veteran 'WE STAND TOGETHER 'WE STAND TOGETHER Scots firefighter found dead a week after he vanished from hospital as tributes flood in from across UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FIRE service and RAF hero has been found dead a week after he vanished from a hospital. Richard Scott, 56, has been hailed by colleagues for his "dedication, bravery and service to others" after his body was found. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A desperate appeal was launched to find Richard after he vanished 2 Richard protected the people of Oban after moving there around six years ago He was last seen leaving Chesterfield Hospital in Derbyshire seven days ago. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander Joe McKay paid tribute on behalf of the force. He said: "Firefighter Richard Scott was a friend and valued colleague who served and protected communities across East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute area for around six years. "We are profoundly sad at the news of his passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time." Richard, originally from Derby, moved north to Oban where he was a vital member of the emergency response and community action teams. He had previously spent a decade as a firefighter in Humberside. His death is not being treated as suspicious. Other 999 workers also shared their condolences, with a statement issued by ambulance crews. It read: "Richard was not only a valued firefighter but also a proud former RAF serviceman. "Our hearts go out to Richard's family, friends, and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. "We stand together in grief and remembrance." Firefighter darts star Flags at fire stations across the UK have been lowered as a mark of respect. The Firefighters Charity urged anybody struggling to reach out for help. A spokesman said: "While our flags will fly at half-mast in tribute, please know we are here if you need to talk — our confidential crisis line is open 24/7." Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed Richard had been found. A spokesman said: "Officers searching for Richarch, who was reported missing from Chesterfield, have found a body. "His family are aware and our thoughts are with them at this time. "A formal ID has taken place."
