THE tragic soldier killed during Monday's live firing exercise in Northumberland was from Paisley, the MOD today confirmed.

Private Conor McPherson, 24, died while taking part in a night time live firing drill at Otterburn Training Area.

A statement issued today from the Ministry of Defence read as follows: "It is with great sadness that the MOD can confirm that Private Conor McPherson from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland died while taking part in a night live firing exercise on Monday 22nd August 2016 at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland.

"Private McPherson, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, in Scotland, was 24.  He enlisted into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in May 2014 as a combat infantryman. 

"After completing his training at the infantry Training Centre Catterick he was posted to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Fort George, Inverness, in February 2015, which is the unit he was serving with when he died."

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.  

"He constantly drove to develop himself physically and was well liked among his peers for his sharp wit and sense of humour. 

"However,  Private McPherson’s true passion was to his parents and his older sister – he was part of a very close knit family, and his great joy was spending time with them at the weekends and over leave.

"The entire Battalion’s thoughts are very much with his family and friends.

"Private McPherson’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time."