Soldiers in gruelling charity run

SOLDIERS with the Edinburgh-based Royal Scots Borderers, 1 SCOTS, have taken part in a gruelling charity half marathon in Iraq.

Nearly 50 soldiers stationed at Basra ran three laps around their base on Friday and the first 1 SCOTS man in was Warrant Officer (Class 2) Sammy McIlroy, and the first woman Private Jennifer Garraway.

The half marathon was in aid of Erskine Edinburgh Home for ex-servicemen and women, and the funds raised will be presented to the home on the battalion's return, which is expected in June.

After the run, Padre Major Rory Macleod gave a service with a mixture of pipes, singing, hymns and prayers, followed by an address from commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Herbert.

The soldiers ended the day with a "chippie" theme night courtesy of chefs on the base.

The half marathon marked the second anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Edinburgh-based battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, 1 SCOTS was formed by merging the Royal Scots and the King's Own Scottish Borderers.