Tributes To 'Missing' Soldier Who Died

Colleagues of the British soldier who was found dead yesterday after going missing in Afghanistan have described Highlander Scott McLaren's death as a "huge blow".

Highlander McLaren, of 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, from the Sighthill area of Edinburgh, disappeared from a Nato checkpoint in central Helmand province - sparking a 17-hour search.

The 20-year-old joined the army in August 2009 and had served for less than two years.

Highlander McLaren was found with gunshot wounds, but the Ministry of Defence has said it can not provide any further details about the circumstances surrounding his death at this stage.

A statement on behalf of his dad James, mum Ann, sister Kirsty and brothers James and Ross spoke of their pride for him.

"He loved the army and had made many friends," they said.

"His family and friends will miss him dreadfully. We will always be thinking of him."

Lieutenant Colonel Alastair Aitken, commanding officer of The Highlanders, also paid tribute.

"Scott McLaren quickly became the most reliable and conscientious member of his platoon, always happy to take on extra work and always the first to volunteer for any task.

"He was a man with a big heart and a true friend to many.

"He was trusted by all and genuinely had a heart of gold."

Captain Callum MacLeod, Multiple Commander, D Company, The Highlanders described him as "the perfect example of what makes a Scottish soldier great".

He said: "The Multiple has been robbed of a friend, and the Battalion of a talent that was only just beginning to shine.

"We will continue to contest the insurgency on the ground and remember him not only by our words, but by our actions."

Defence Secretary Liam Fox said he was "deeply saddened" by the news and said his thoughts and prayers were with Highlander McLaren's family and friends.

The emergency search for the soldier affected Prime Minister David Cameron, who was on a secret trip to visit troops in Helmand province.

Mr Cameron had been scheduled to travel to nearby Lashkar Gah on Monday, but his plans had to be changed.

The PM said: "The reason for me not going to Lashkar Gah was not about my security. It was literally, use everything you have got to try and deal with this.

"That was the right thing to do."

Mr Cameron said he was "deeply saddened" by the death - the British armed forces' 375th fatality during the decade-long campaign in Afghanistan.