Family mourns ‘big-hearted’ soldier

Several hundred mourners gathered to pay their respects to Highlander Scott McLaren in his native Edinburgh.

The 20-year-old, of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was found dead with gunshot wounds hours after going missing in Helmand on July 4.

Family, friends, members of the Royal Regiment and veterans of the British Legion attended the funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium, where his coffin, draped with a Union Jack and a wreath of poppies, was carried into the service by fellow soldiers as a piper played Flower Of Scotland.

Tributes to Scott, who was from Sighthill in Edinburgh, were read by Captain Gordon Law of 4 Scots, his uncle Duncan Smithyman and his 16-year-old brother Ross.

Addressing mourners, Captain Law said: “Scott was the perfect example of what makes a soldier great. He was a stalwart of his team. He was cool under pressure and unrelenting in the face of the enemy.

“Those that didn’t know Scott often thought he was a quiet young lad. And for those that did he was a very keen lad.”

He added: “He quickly became the most reliable and conscientious member of the team. Always happy to take on extra work and always happy to volunteer.”

Captain Law said Scott had a “genuinely big heart” and while quiet, was the “master of the one-line put-down”.

Captain Law said Scott’s death had left a hole in the battalion and the regiment, adding that he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He added Scott had “only just begun to shine”.

The family were joined by members from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, although most of the 4th Battalion are still in Afghanistan. Members of the Royal British Legion of Scotland also paid their respects.

Three shots from a firing party marked the end of the service.

Earlier, Major Andy MacKay read out a short statement on behalf of the Army.

He said: “On operations in Afghanistan he was calm under pressure, dedicated and committed to the cause.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this time.”