🎖️ Throwback to Afghanistan – February 2002 | Hirst Locksmiths
- Danny - Hirst Locksmiths Galashiels
- Nov 5, 2025
- 3 min read
🎖️ Throwback to Afghanistan – February 2002
A Veteran’s Reflection from Danny Hirst, Founder of Hirst Locksmiths
On 9/11, when the Twin Towers were hit, I was on a Battle Group exercise in Canada. That exercise was the culmination of a year’s hard training – preparing for any conflicts that might arise around the world.
Just days after finishing, we were told: “You’ll be going to war.”
As a young soldier, that was both exciting and terrifying. Only a few short months after 9/11, I found myself in Kabul, Afghanistan. Our mission was focused on a hearts and minds approach – working with the local people, helping rebuild schools, and assisting with the community effort to restore normal life.
It was a very different experience from my second tour in Afghanistan in 2013. 💥💣
The photo below shows me (fourth from the left) with my seven-man section. It was a strange and challenging time, but I’ll always be grateful I went through it with those six men. One of them, Mike “Taff” Noble (third from the left), sadly took his own life in 2010. 😢
This Remembrance Sunday, I’ll be thinking of all my friends who made the ultimate sacrifice — and those who fought battles within that we couldn’t see. 💔
🏠 About Hirst Locksmiths – Veteran-Owned and Local to the Scottish Borders
After leaving the Army, I wanted to continue serving the community — this time through trust, reliability, and security. That’s why I founded Hirst Locksmiths, based in Earlston, Scottish Borders (TD4 6ET).
We’re proud to offer an honest, veteran-led locksmith service across:
Earlston, Melrose, St Boswells, Newtown St Boswells, Jedburgh, Kelso, Galashiels, Duns, Coldstream, Greenlaw, Gordon, Peebles, Lauder, and all surrounding areas.
✅ No VAT charge
✅ No call-out fees
✅ Friendly, professional service
✅ Fully insured and DBS checked
✅ Veteran-owned and trusted
📞 Call or message Danny Hirst directly on 07399 574282
📧 Email: hirstlocksmiths@gmail.com
🔐 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Hirst Locksmiths really a local business?
A: Yes — we’re proudly based in Earlston, Scottish Borders (TD4 6ET) and cover all surrounding towns and villages.
Q: Do you charge VAT or call-out fees?
A: No! We believe in clear, fair pricing — no VAT and no hidden call-out fees.
Q: Are you insured and DBS checked?
A: Absolutely. We’re fully insured, DBS checked, and trusted by both homeowners and businesses.
Q: Do you offer emergency locksmith services near me?
A: Yes — if you’re searching for a locksmith near Earlston, Melrose, Kelso, or Galashiels, we’re just a call away at 07399 574282.
Q: Why choose a veteran-owned locksmith?
A: Military training instils discipline, integrity, and reliability — qualities that now define Hirst Locksmiths.
❤️ Remembering the Fallen
As a veteran and a local business owner, I’ll always carry those memories from Afghanistan with me. This Remembrance Sunday, please take a moment to reflect, remember, and appreciate the sacrifices made by so many.
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Hirst Locksmiths
Danny Hirst
Earlston, Scottish Borders, TD4 6ET
📞 07399 574282
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