Army
Otterburn Death: Soldier Named
The soldier who died during a training exercise at Otterburn has been named as Conor McPherson.
The 24 year old was a Private in the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
He suffered a head wound and died during a night-time live firing exercise at the training area in Northumberland on Monday.
His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Alasdair Steele, said:
"Private McPherson was a capable young soldier who had previously trained in both Kenya and France. He was hugely committed about his career in the Army, he had aspirations to join the machine gun platoon and attend a junior leadership course at the start of next year. The entire battalion's thoughts are very much with his family and friends."
Private McPherson, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, enlisted into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in May 2014 as a combat infantryman.
Northumbria Police and the Ministry of Defence have launched an investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Conor McPherson's death
Before Conor was named tributes were paid online by members of 1 Scots, another battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
"Our thoughts are with the friends, family and colleagues of the The Royal Regiment of Scotland soldier tragically killed whilst training in Otterburn last night."
"One of our Regimental brothers. Nemo me impune lacessit."
'Nemo me impune lacessit' is the Regiment's Motto. It means 'No one cuts me with impunity'.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, also paying tribute before Conor was named, said:
"This is a tragic incident and my deepest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the soldier who has died. Our armed forces do a difficult and dangerous job at all times, and this is another stark reminder of that."
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