A GLASGOW firefighter who fought a brave battle with Motor Neurones Disease (MND) has died at the age of 43. 

The city's fire service is in mourning following the death of Brian MacDonald - who was based at Govan. He died on Wednesday. 

The hero firefighter, who had more than 13 years of service, was diagnosed with the muscle-wasting condition which claimed the life of Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen. 

He spent years undergoing tests before he was given his diagnosis last February.

Brian was also known for coaching a youth football team. 

His big brother John, a RDS firefighter in Oban, lead the tributes. He said: "You were absolutely everything to me, Laura-Anne, our daughters and everyone.

"I Love you so much Brian.

"Sleep tight my wee brother. No more suffering from that horrible illness MND"

Scotland's chief fire officer Martin Blunden replied to John: "We are all holding you and the family in our thoughts John.

"Brian was unique, a real connector of people, passionate about being a firey and a big family man. RIP."

Neil Gillespie, a watch commander at Paisley, said: "I've changed my profile to mark the passing of a brother.

"Brian Macdonald - firefighter, brother, uncle, fiance and a friend. He fought his MND like a firefighter would, head on, never giving up.

"I'll cherish my visit in May. Brian, we will remember you, forever in our thoughts."

Paul Johnstone, his cousin, said: "We were best mates when we were younger. He was a kind soul who always had time for others."

Many city firefighters changed their social media profiles to a thin red line as a mark of respect.

Brian, who is originally from Oban but lived in the city's Swinton, previously told the Glasgow Times that he was forced to go off work due to a weakness in his arm before the MND diagnosis came back. 

An incurable and life-shortening illness, MND sees messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading the muscles to weaken, stiffen, and waste.

Glasgow Times:

His fellow firefighters held a Three Peaks Challenge for him last year while TV star Grado helped Govan station got involved in a charity fundraiser.