A Galloway firefighter who scaled a 60ft gorge in a bid to rescue an 11 year old Carrbridge boy has received a top bravery award. Mr. Andrew Dale (31) a retained firefighter from Gatehouse of Fleet, received the Royal Humane Society Testimonial on Vellum for his efforts to save Jamie Gasking, who sadly died. Without regard for his own safety, Mr. Dale went to the aid of the schoolboy who had lost his footing and fallen into the gorge at Bruar Falls, in July 2003. The full-time postman and member of Galloway MRT received the award in a ceremony at Carrbridge Hotel in front of his wife Pamela, and daughter Nicola.

He was out walking with his family near the Perthshire beauty spot when Jamie's mother Pam ran up to them and said her son had fallen. After sending his wife and daughter to fetch help and first aid equipment, Mr. Dale climbed into the steep gorge without safety harness or head protection. Though Jamie was already dead by the time he reached him, Mr. Dale stayed with the boy's body, guided emergency services to Jamie and helped to recover his body from the gorge.

Speaking about the award Mr. Dale said: "I was surprised to get the letter in the post from Jamie's father, David, nominating me for the award. It was unexpected and I don't think I did anything out of the ordinary that day. I am proud that I have got the award but it would have nicer to have received it in different circumstances."

Mr. Dale said that when Mrs. Gasking approached him he immediately switched out of holiday mode. "If someone approaches you out of the blue and says a child has fallen you want to help. It is fortunate that my wife and daughter were with me as they were able to call the emergency services and fetch my bag of equipment, while I got ready to climb down."

The retained firefighter added: "I enjoy getting up over the hills and being out and about. I have been in the rescue team for 15 years and I merely use my hobby and skills for voluntary service for the community."

Dr. Gasking paid tribute to Mr, Dale and his efforts to save Jamie. He said: "I felt that nominating him was the least I could do in the circumstances. The chain of events was amazing; it was a huge coincidence that the first person my wife ran into should be a member of the mountain rescue. Andrew Dale had his wife and daughter with him and was able to send them off to call the police and fetch first aid. Then he set about things on his own. When the emergency services came he actually guided them to him and refused to leave Jamie. He stayed with him through the whole process. It is hard to find words but certainly I think he did everything anybody could possibly have done in the circumstances."

Reproduced from the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald.