It's a lasting memory from amongst the charred remains

The plaque which acknowledged that the bus was purchased in memory of teenager James Elliott could only be recognised by its metallic content - brass - but it will prove a cherished memory for parents Clive and Margaret and sister, Sara.

The plaque was discovered on Saturday by Alistair McCrellis, a close friend of Mr. Elliott and although virtually unrecognisable from its original state, it will be cleaned and kept in the Elliott home.

"I'll keep it very safe. This is very very sentimental to me. Remains can be very important," Mr. Elliott said.

Almost a year was spent fund raising for a vehicle that in the words of Mrs. Elliott was a lifeline for the emergency services and others.

She said the loss had not just hit the Community Rescue Service, but the community as a whole.

All of those who came to witness the remains of the bus on Saturday morning were left speechless and unable to comprehend why anyone would want to destroy something that was placed at the disposal of the community in emergency situations.

But the mood of despondency and initial shock soon turned to one of stiff resolve and a determination to replace the vehicle - and soon.

Mr. McCarry said the bus had been purchased from Derbyshire in England where Mrs. Elliott was brought up and had been used on routes close to her home.

He had already been in contact with the seller to find another one.

The vehicle had undergone major refurbishment to accommodate sophisticated communications technology as well as providing a headquarters for the Rescue Service and other emergency personnel when it was deployed.

The vehicle had only been used five times and was due to have been taken to Portballintrae on Saturday morning by volunteers who were contributing to an ultra marathon.

The bus was officially unveiled at a fun day in Stranocum on August 20 and was a proud moment for all involved in its purchase.

To have something like this happen so soon afterwards was never contemplated, but volunteers say their work will go on.