Zetland estate’s gamekeeper mourns son.

THE family of the latest soldier to die in Afghanistan paid tribute to “the bravest of men” last night as the Prime Minister reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to the campaign.

Phillip Scott, a sergeant who was born and brought up in North Yorkshire, was helping to clear explosives in Sangin on Thursday when he was killed in a bomb blast.

The 30-year-old, an officer in the 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was a veteran of the conflict in Iraq and was serving in Afghanistan with his brother, Robin.

Last night, he was hailed by his commanding officer as “the toughest of men and the gentlest of friends”.

His death came as Gordon Brown vowed the United Kingdom would not walk away from its Afghan commitments and would succeed in its mission.

Mr Brown warned Afghan President Hamid Karzai he would not put UK troops “in harm’s way for a government that does not stand up against corruption”.

But even as he spoke, defence officials were preparing to name Sgt Scott as the 230th serviceman to have died in Afghanistan since the conflict began in October 2001.

Sgt Scott, a married fatherof- two, was brought up in Richmond, North Yorkshire, where his father, Mike, is the gamekeeper for the Zetland Estate.

His wife, Ellen, said: “My husband was a very brave man, loved by all his family, and a very dear husband and father.”

Sgt Scott joined the Army in 2001, following a stint working on the Zetland Estate after he left Richmond School.

He completed initial training at the Army Training Regiment, Winchester, and the Infantry Training Centre, in Catterick Garrison, before he passed out to join C Company, 2nd Battalion, The Light Infantry in January 2002.

During his career, Sgt Scott, known as Scotty to his friends, served twice in Iraq as well as in Northern Ireland.

He also worked as a training officer in Catterick Garrison, before his final deployment to Afghanistan in September on Operation Herrick 11, alongside his brother.

One resident in Richmond said last night: “I knew Scotty when he was a kid. He was such a lovely lad. His dad must be totally devastated.

“It has been a real shock to everyone here. It hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

Lord Ronaldshay, of the Zetland Estate, said Sgt Scott’s death was “devastating”.

He said: “You hear about soldiers dying in Afghanistan on the news, but this has made it all so real for everyone here. There are no words to describe how devastating it is.

“Everyone’s thoughts are with his family.”

Sgt Scott’s death came two days after five British soldiers were killed in an attack by an Afghan police officer.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, said: “Sgt Scott was the most professional of soldiers, the toughest of men and the gentlest of friends.

“Naturally charming and disarmingly polite, he was considerate and compassionate to his core.”

Sgt Scott leaves behind his wife and two children – Ellie, three, and Michael, one. The family live in Edinburgh.

Major Mark Melhorn, of 3 Rifles, said Sgt Scott was dedicated to his men, and added: “Scotty was a man at the very top of his game and clearly destined for greatness.

“He was an awe-inspiring senior non-commissioned officer, who clearly loved his job and the men under his command, and they loved him back for his dedication to them. The battle group has lost one of its stars, and his death leaves a huge hole in our hearts. However, our pain is insignificant compared to that of Ellen, Ellie and Michael. Our thoughts go out to them.”

Colonel Sgt Paul Lucke, Second-in-Command, Recce Platoon, said: “A gap has appeared in the platoon that can never be filled.”

Warrant Officer Class Two Paul Kelly said: “For a big strong man, he had a calm and easy-going personality.

He had an unforgettable sense of humour and laugh that would encourage anyone to join in.”