Doug Brotherston

Former S&C coach, ditched it all and joined the SFRS. Best decision I ever made. Whisky, mountain bikes, climbing, stuff like that.

[ThruDark @ThruDark]

We will remember them.

[Lifelines Scotland @LifelinesScot]

Eliz (Lifelines) joined emergency service families at the @999_reset weekend near Aviemore. A great opportunity to share our messages & network in the outdoors. Thank you to all involved 😀. Great example of Support from colleagues, family and friends (https://t.co/NuwHEvuY9H)

[Doug Brotherston @DougBrotherston]

@Doinks2Big Start drinking

[Scottish Fire and Rescue Service @fire_scot]

Today marks 15 years since Firefighter Ewan Williamson lost his life during firefighting operations at the Balmoral Bar, Edinburgh in 2009.

A commemorative service was attended by Ewan’s fire and rescue service colleagues, family and close friends.

https://t.co/mMKNW2YjW0

[Doug Brotherston @DougBrotherston]

@laura_mchardy @ChurchillFship @NFCC_FireChiefs @WFSUK1 Not even remotely surprised at this. I had every confidence you’d get it and you thoroughly deserve it. Couldn’t think of anyone more qualified or experienced to undertake this project and you’ll absolutely smash it out the park!

[Dubs life @dubslife1]

🤔

[Doug Brotherston @DougBrotherston]

@lesmason83 I’m sure we had that (or very similar) as a spare once… leaf spring suspension and no ESP, much better handling!

[Neil Findlay @Neilsocialist]

The reality of the cuts to Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service
CUTS LEAVE SCARS

[Norwich City FC @NorwichCityFC]

𝗔𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗯𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁.

Check in on those around you.

#WorldMentalHealthDay | #YouAreNotAlone | @samaritans

[Elite Exped @eliteexped]

SHISHAPANGMA 1 - The tragic events that unfolded on Shishapangma this weekend have devastated the climbing community and our Elite Exped family.

On Saturday an avalanche hit our team as they climbed towards the summit. Tragically two of our guides and our Anna Gutu were caught in this, along with several other guides from other companies. As the Elite Exped family, we are devastated to confirm that sadly Anna and her guide Mingmar Sherpa died. Our guide Karma Gyaljen was also injured – he was rescued and is now in hospital in Kathmandu.

Together with the other guiding companies involved; Seven Summit Treks, Imagine Nepal and Climbalaya, and members from TMA and CTMA, we are working as one mountain community, together with all the authorities and organisations involved, on the ongoing rescue and recovery mission of our beloved friends and family.

We are heartbroken at the loss of Anna and Mingmar – two highly experienced and bright stars of mountaineering. Their legacies are ones of inspiration and achievement, and their loss is felt so very deeply.

Mingmar – your smile lit up the room, you always brought so much positivity and joy. Your kind, caring nature and warm presence touched so many lives.

Anna – our beloved, funny, happy, amazing star. You lifted us all with your great sense of humour, and your kind and inspirational heart.

Rest in peace our loved ones, we miss you and are honoured we get to say we knew and loved you. We send our love to all the families, friends and supporters of all those involved in this sad incident – our thoughts are with you all.

In line with the wishes of all families, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this devastating time, and that media are mindful not to cause further grief, hurt and shock through speculation or reports of unconfirmed information.

Team Elite Exped,

[Doug Brotherston @DougBrotherston]

@rawlimark Country pub with a hint of wet dog?

[Doug Brotherston @DougBrotherston]

Insane weather in the Cairngorms for this one

[SFRS Highland Central: Nairn,Badenoch & Strathspey @AviemoreFire]

Last week we bid a fond farewell to Firefighter Martin Amos (Aviemore) & Watch Commander Alison Robertson (Grantown). We thank them both for their outstanding dedication to protecting our communities for the last 10+ years.
We wish them both every success in their future careers.

[SFRS Highland Central: Nairn,Badenoch & Strathspey @AviemoreFire]

They did it 🤩👏
Incredible effort from the five Aviemore Firefighters and an amazing amount of money raised for @macmillancancer. We are all really proud of you!
https://t.co/Ipw1TXRubp

[SFRS Highland Central: Nairn,Badenoch & Strathspey @AviemoreFire]

What an amazing amount raised so far for @macmillancancer. We wish the team of Aviemore firefighters the best of luck this Saturday on their gruelling Lairig Ghru Challenge.

[Doug Brotherston @DougBrotherston]

@lesmason83 @999_reset @laura_mchardy @mandyironside Thanks Les. It’s been an epic journey but the feedback has been phenomenally positive. Makes it all worthwhile knowing we’re onto something positive that actually benefits people.

[Doug Brotherston @DougBrotherston]

@999_reset @laura_mchardy @mandyironside Some weekend! Same again next year???

[Niall Harbison @NiallHarbison]

Farewell Tina - The Greatest Dog There Ever Was

Yesterday at 4.45 PM Tina gently passed away. She was in her favourite hammock wrapped in blankets in my arms and with 4 lovely woman who have helped care for her holding her paws. Her belly was full of sausages and treats, she was basking in the warm late evening sun and her favourite song was playing.

Tina was still alive in this picture but as far as she was concerned she was already very much in heaven and surrounded by pure love.

When The Time Came, Tina Left With Dignity 🐶❤️

Tina’s test results had been really bad for a month. We did everything imaginable to prolong her life. She followed me every single day on my rounds often going on 7-8 walks with other dogs despite her illness for fear of being alone or missing out.

On Thursday for the first time ever she came on one short walk and then retreated to rest. I’d never seen that before. When I came back with my dinner and she couldn’t get up to greet me at the door I instantly knew the time had come. I didn’t need blood tests or a vet to tell me. Tina had given everything she had left to give.

Up until the very last moment she always had a fresh clean bandana on, she ate the very best food and she was genuinely happy and at ease with her world. It will please everybody to know that Tina didn’t suffer one bit.

I Was Just A Conduit To Share Tina’s Message

I get about X20 more messages about Tina compared to every other dog I share. People picked up on her innate almost spiritual qualities through a screen thousands of miles away without ever meeting her.

We loved each other deeply but literally thousands of others loved Tina in their own way too. She was a beacon of hope. A soul so pure she could change people’s entire daily outlook from afar. Tina didn’t have a bad bone in her body and her ability to inspire others who were also struggling was all down to her. She radiated purity of soul and gentle goodness.

They really broke the mould when they made Tina.

Great Things Will Happen In Tina’s Name

Her final resting place is not in Giuseppe’s memorial garden with the other dogs who have passed. She is buried beside her hammock so I can sit and tell her how the mission to save street dogs around the world is going.

Much more important though is what I spoke to her about this morning after fixing up her flowers…

🔵This will be the site for a new hospital for street dogs

🔵It will be built right on top of her in this exact spot

🔵It will be called the “The Tina Hospital For Dogs Who Aren’t Doing So Good”

🔵The entrance will have a huge smiling photo of Tina

🔵I’ll figure out a way to get the best staff, machines and medicines

I won’t be able to do it overnight as I need to figure out logistics, planning and funding but It’s a promise to Tina now, so that means it will be done. And it will be done fast.

I can’t think of a better thing to do than having 100s of sick and needy dogs like she once was treated there. She would love that.

187 Joyous And Life Changing Days 🌞 🛵 🌴

Tina was put on this planet for a reason. We live in times with a lot of uncertainty, doom and gloom and endless negativity. After being on a chain for years, having dozens of puppies and nearly dying alone she would have every reason to also be down on life.

In the 187 days that we all knew her, Tina was… Compassionate. Beautiful. Gentle. Loving. Friendly. Easy Going. Loyal. Positive. Supportive. Angelic. Graceful.

She lit up any room or space she was in. People gravitated towards her. She didn’t need anything fancy or expensive. A tennis ball, her humans and some tasty food was all Tina ever looked for. She taught us all to…

🔵Live fully in the moment

🔵Don’t let the past define you

🔵Go “all in” on loving people

🔵Above all else…Be kind

187 days is not a lot but it also feels like a lifetime. She’s been swimming, made new friends, gone on hikes. had adventures and loved every second. Only a dog like Tina could have an impact like she has in such a short space of time.

The sadness hasn’t hit me too hard today. I look around for my shadow and she isn’t there but I’ve been getting ready for this day for weeks. My main feeling is relief for Tina that it all ended so well. That she didn’t suffer at all. That she felt endless love and warmth from many people when she was drifting off.

Tina could easily have been a street dog in Thailand tied to a chain that died alone months ago. Instead she was a wonderful creature that will have a huge lasting legacy.

After I put the flowers on Tina’s grave this morning and went off driving around feeding the street dogs, I could feel the sun on my back warmer than I’d felt it in months. I saw a beautiful blue butterfly flying on the wind. The sea looked the most aquamarine I’ve ever seen it. That warm sun, gentle wind and beautiful sea are all Tina. She is everywhere now.

Tina never asked for anything but I think she would have one wish we could all follow in her honour. To be kind. Maybe this weekend let someone ahead of you in a line. Check in on a friend you know might need it. Send someone flowers. Drop a note into a needy hand instead of a coin. Take a friend out for a surprise brunch. Play with your dogs a little longer than normal. Maybe just be kind to yourself and go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. The thought of nice things happening all over the world in Tina’s name would be a lovely one.

In a world where you can be anything…Be more like Tina.

Broken hearted but big love to you all.

Niall 🙏🥰

[Kirsty @kirst2109]

If you work in the emergency services then you need to get a ticket.
With this and Thunder in Glen happening that weekend Aviemore is the place to be!
Do it!!! NOW!!