Tributes to road crash soldier

Tributes have been paid to a soldier who died after a two- vehicle road crash which also left his colleague seriously injured.

Fusilier Jamie Candlish, who had returned from Afghanistan in April, was a passenger in a black Vauxhall Corsa which was in a collision with a silver Mitsubishi L200.

The 20-year-old, of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), had just left Glencorse barracks in Penicuik, Midlothian, when the crash took place on Friday night. He died at the scene.

It is understood his colleague, who was driving, is still in intensive care at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

His condition last night was described as critical.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dougie Graham, commanding officer of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said yesterday: “The tragic loss of Fusilier Jamie Candlish has deeply affected all ranks within the Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

“He was immense on the recent tour of Afghanistan. Brave as a lion and always ready with a joke, he was a pleasure to be around.

“Jamie was utterly professional in everything he did; this was underpinned by his infectious sense of humour and unbounding loyalty to his platoon, company and battalion.”

Fusilier Candlish was from Hamilton.

The two people who were in the Mitsubishi have since been released from hospital following treatment.

The incident happened on the A701 near the Gowkley Moss roundabout at about 11:45pm on Friday and the road was closed for four hours after the collision.

Tom McGrath, group commander for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, was returning to Edinburgh from near Peebles when he saw the crash.

He pulled the driver and the passenger from the burning Corsa.

Lothian and Borders Police have appealed for information about the incident.