Black Watch soldier Darren Lackie dies in Portugal

L/Cpl Darren Lackie had served with the Black Watch in Afghanistan

A 22-year-old Scottish soldier has died while on holiday with his girlfriend in Faro, Portugal.

L/Cpl Darren Lackie had served in Afghanistan with the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 Scots).

From Cupar in Fife, he had been living in Inverness near the battalion's Fort George base.

It was understood he was injured in a fall and had been on life support before he died in hospital.

The former Bell Baxter High School pupil's parents flew out on Friday to be with him.

Lt Col Ed Fenton, commanding officer of 3 Scots, paid tribute to L/Cpl Lackie.

He said: "It is with deep regret that we learn of the tragic death of Lance Corporal Darren Lackie whilst on much deserved leave in Faro, Portugal.

"In Lance Corporal Lackie, the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland has lost one of its young rising stars who had already taken the first steps towards higher rank and greater responsibility."

The commanding officer added: "Having completed an operational tour of Afghanistan with the 3 Scots battle group in 2009 he was training in preparation for a possible return to Afghanistan later this year.

"Bright, enthusiastic, brave and entirely professional, he was a very popular member of B Company and the battalion."

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it could confirm the death of a British national in Faro.

A spokesman said: "We were informed of his death on 3 April. We continue to provide consular assistance to his family."