Sculpture celebrating Glasgow’s famous ‘fire dog’ unveiled at Central Station

A statue of a dog made famous after being adopted by Glasgow firefighters in the 19th century has been unveiled at the city’s Central Station.

Wallace was taken in by firemen at the Central Fire Station in 1894 after he followed a horse-drawn engine taking part in a lifeboat demonstration.

The collie-setter cross became renowned for running in front of their appliances as they made their way to emergencies - then sitting next to the tethered horses, guarding them until the men returned.

Wallace’s story is told proudly at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Heritage Centre and Museum in Greenock, where he remains encased and on display.

But, after learning about it as part of a visit there in 2017, it is one which North Glasgow woman Jean Dallas thought deserved to be shared prominently in the four-legged hero’s home city too.

And the unveiling of his statue by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, at the railway station today (Tuesday) marked the culmination of a determined effort - in which she was the driving force - to bring the tale of Wallace to a new generation.

Supported by social landlord ng homes and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), who organised the museum visit as part of joint community work, Jean shared Wallace’s story with children at Saracen Primary School, along with other organisations as she started fundraising for a plinth for him.

Then people in custody at HM Prison Barlinnie stepped forward to sculpt the artwork, which now sits in Central Station’s main hall after Network Rail managers were also touched by his story - and the campaigner’s determination.

Jean said: “It’s such a lovely sculpture. I’m so proud to see Wallace home and in Central Station. We wanted him to be somewhere people would see him and celebrate his story.

“This wee dog was famous in his day for his brave antics. There are even books written on his adventures.

“Wallace is well known throughout the world, yet many people in Glasgow don't know about him.”

The 81-year-old, who was all-too-aware of the global interest in Greyfriars Bobby having lived and worked for 18 years, added: “We said that 'Wallace the Fire Dog' should have his rightful place in history.

“So I am delighted with the wonderful work of those in Barlinnie who made this sculpture of Wallace to give him the recognition he deserves. I am also thankful to Network Rail for giving him a new home in the station.”

Cllr McLaren said: “Wallace the Fire Dog holds a special place in Glasgow's history, and I am delighted to welcome this wonderful sculpture of him to the heart of our city.

“Today's unveiling celebrates not only a much-loved local character, but the community spirit and collaboration by a range of partners that has brought his story to life for a new generation.

“My thanks go to everyone whose passion and commitment has helped create this tribute and given it a permanent home, where residents and visitors alike can discover this unique piece of our city's heritage.”

The journey for getting the sculpture on public display was also not without drama.

The artwork was placed in storage away from Barlinnie during the coronavirus pandemic - and Jean was unsure where it had gone.

She called on Margaret Fraser from Together Leading Communities (TLC) and Margaret Muir from The Croft family support project at the prison to help track Wallace down afterwards.

After finding he was in the safe hands of a prison service dog handler in Livingston, the sculpture was handed over in 2023, being housed in ng homes’ Saracen House office in Possilpark, the area in which Jean lives, until its new permanent home could be secured.

Margaret Fraser, director of TLC, said: “Jean’s determination has shown no bounds and she has been supported along the way by her family, friends and the community. It is wonderful that, as a result of her efforts, Wallace will have a permanent home in Glasgow Central Station.

“Of course, it is only a train journey to the Greenock Fire Heritage Centre to see the real Wallace and hear more about his heroic deeds.”

Margaret Muir added: “Everyone involved has been so passionate about this. This is a wonderful story which deserves to be told.”

Catherine Rossine, chair of ng homes, believes Jean’s work highlights the positives that can happen when people unite for a shared passion.

She said: “Wallace’s story has captured the imagination of so many people. We are proud to support a project that celebrates an important piece of Glasgow’s heritage. This has created something that communities across the city can be proud of.”

Fire chiefs to this day regard Wallace as ‘Scotland’s first fire dog’ and are delighted to see him celebrated.

City of Glasgow Group Commander Craig Campbell represented SFRS at the unveiling.

He said: “Wallace is a local and fire service legend, and this is a fitting celebration of his life and another reminder of the proud history the service shares with Glasgow.

“We are delighted that we have been able to support this, and thankful to Jean and everyone else who has been involved in bringing this sculpture to life and ensuring that it takes pride of place in one of Scotland’s busiest railway stations.

“We hope that thousands more people will have the chance to learn about not only Wallace, but the history of the fire service in Glasgow and beyond.”

Wallace’s story will be among those told as part of tours of Glasgow Central Station, where the courage of firefighters is also celebrated by the Citizen Firefighter statue which stands at its entrance.

Travellers and visitors at Central Station will be able to read Wallace’s full story by scanning a QR code next to the sculpture.