A young Black Watch private has been named as the soldier killed in a training exercise in England.
Conor McPherson, 24, had travelled from his base at Fort George, near Ardersier, to take part in Operation Wessex Storm south of the border.
But Private McPherson’s aspirations of becoming a machine gunner ended in tragedy at Otterburn in Northumberland.
The 24-year-old was shot in the head during a live firing exercise inthe dark of night.
Northumbria Police and the Ministry of Defence immediately launched investigations into the death – but police last night said early indications were that this was a tragic accident.
Pte McPherson’s Commanding Officer, Lietuenant Colonel Alasdair Steele, said he had a promising future.
Lt Col Steele said: “He was hugely committed about his career, he had aspirations to join the Machine Gun platoon and attend a junior leadership course at the start of next year.
“He constantly drove to develop himself physically, and was well-liked among his peers for his sharp wit and sense of humour.
“However, Pte McPherson’s true passion was to his parents and his older sister – he was part of a very close knit family, and his great joy was spending time with them at the weekends and over leave.
“The entire battalion’s thoughts are very much with his family and friends.”
Pte McPherson, who was from Paisley, enlisted into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in May 2014 as a combat infantryman.
After completing training in Yorkshire, he was posted to Fort George as part of Black Watch 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland last February.
During his time in the Army, he also trained in Kenya and France.
The tragedy happened on Monday night at 11.15pm.
The Northumbria force said they believed Pte McPherson’s death was “a tragic accident”.
A spokesman said: “Specialist officers are supporting his family at this incredibly difficult time.
“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances behind the incident, but at this stage we believe this was a tragic accident and there are no suspicious circumstances.
“A joint investigation is underway between police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which is being fully supported by the Ministry of Defence and the British Army.”
Meanwhile, Pte McPherson’s close friends paid emotional tributes to the young soldier.
His fellow infantryman at Fort George, Matt-James Mcallahan, said that Pte McPherson’s infectious personality brightened up life at the base.
He said: “Rest in peace to not only one of my closet and best friends, but to a brother I was extremely close to.
“He was forever making my day with his crazy ideas and remarks, waking me up with a boxing glove to the face in the morning and explaining his game – that I was far to unintelligent to play.
“It’s going to feel weird not having you about, and hearing you shouting at your screen.”
Serviceman Christopher McKinnon inspired dozens of others to change their profile photographs on Facebook to display the badge of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, in memory of the “young Scottish warrior” who died.
The soldier addressed his fallen comrade, adding: “Tragic news mate. “Don’t worry, the boys from training have some funny stories about you, you definitely were unique.”
