Courageous brothers home from war zone

Corporals James and Mark McLaren were deployed with around 350 soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) as part of Task Force Helmand.

James (27) and Mark (25), from Lenzie, joined the army as teenagers.

Tragically, just months into their last tour of the war-torn country, one of their close friends, Corporal William Savage, was killed along with two other soldiers when their mastiff was hit by a bomb.

Mark was supposed to be in the vehicle, but luckily was in another one at the time.

James and Mark’s dad, Bob, said: “Mark phoned his mum at 5am to tell her. He was a bit tearful, they boys were very friendly with William Savage. It was tragic.”

While it’s a constant worry for James and Mark’s parents when they are in Afghanistan, they realise they are doing a job.

Their mum Lorraine said: “It’s what they want to do and you support them. You are really worried about what’s going to happen, but you get a lot of support from army welfare and army charities.”

Lorraine will be speaking at the Stars on Parade event organised by Our Scottish Heroes, which she is involved with.

It takes place on Monday, November 11, at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

The Armistice Day concert showcases the talents of service men and women past and present. Special guests include Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall and the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir.

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