Farewell to fallen soldier

A LOTHIANS soldier killed in Afghanistan was described as having a "magnetic personality" and a "lightning sharp wit" at his funeral today.

Private Sean McDonald, of the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, died in an explosion near Sangin in Helmand province on 7 February. He was 26.

More than 400 mourners, many dressed in kilts, attended his funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh. Friend Philip Hendry, who was also his best man, said: "His personality was magnetic, his personality was loyal and that drew people to him."

"Mac", as he was known to his friends, was on a routine night patrol when an improvised explosive device blew up, killing him and Corporal Johnathan Moore.