Police investigate after three Belgian soldiers injured in shooting incident in UK

Three Belgian soldiers have been injured in a "shooting incident" during a training exercise in Scotland.

Belgium's defence mnistry said two of the soldiers – from the Third Parachute Battalion – were in a stable condition after being airlifted to hospital in Aberdeen, with one expected to undergo surgery in Scotland before returning home.

The third was taken to hospital in Inverness with minor injuries and has been discharged.

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Police officers were called to the Tain Air Weapons Range [formerly known as RAF Tain] on Monday afternoon.

About a dozen soldiers also suffered hearing damage as a result of the incident.

A spokesperson for the defence ministry said: "On May 12, during Exercise Red Condor currently taking place in Scotland, three Belgian soldiers were injured.

"They received first aid on site and were then transferred to a regional hospital. In addition, around a dozen soldiers suffered hearing damage.

"Defence authorities have confirmed that the two soldiers who were seriously injured are now in stable condition.

"They have already been able to speak with their families. One of them will undergo surgery in Scotland before being repatriated to Belgium.

"The third soldier sustained minor injuries and has since returned to the military camp."

The spokesperson added: "The families of the injured personnel have been informed.

"The incident took place during a planned training exercise. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances."

Last week, it was reported that around 600 Belgian military personnel were in Moray for Exercise Red Condor.

In a post on X, Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever offered his condolences to the injured soldiers and their families.

"I have received the sad news that three soldiers from the Third Parachute Battalion were injured during an exercise in Scotland," he wrote.

"I wish the injured a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with their loved ones."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.25pm on Monday, 12 May, we were made aware of a report of military personnel being injured during a training exercise at RAF Tain.

"Emergency services attended and two men were taken by air ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment.

"A third man was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and released following treatment for minor injuries.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."