An army chief has led tributes to a "selfless and kind-hearted" East Kilbride soldier who collapsed and died during the week of a record-breaking heatwave.
Sapper Connor Morrison passed away during the "non-operational" incident after suffering from breathing difficulties.
The 20-year-old was serving with 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment and stationed at Rock Barracks in Suffolk when the tragedy unfolded, and he died in Ipswich on July 23.
Earlier that week, on July 19, a new UK record high temperature of 40.3C was recorded in the area.
The Defence Safety Authority, Suffolk Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into Connor's tragic death last month.
Sapper Morrison joined the British Army on the January 3, 2021 aged 19.
He completed his basic training at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright before moving to 3 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment to commence his specialist Combat Engineer training.
HIs Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Crossley, paid tribute to the "professional soldier with much promise".
He said: "Keen and enthusiastic, he worked hard to achieve his goals at every stage of his training and impressed his instructors with his knowledge and skills.
"More importantly, he was a loyal friend and a genuine team player."
"Sapper Morrison was a truly selfless and kind-hearted professional soldier who made friends wherever he went.
"He proved himself to be a proud and loyal member of the Corps of Royal Engineers and will always be part of the Sapper family.
"A selfless team player, Sapper Morrison put others above himself and generously volunteered to cover weekend duties when he was not returning home to Scotland, to enable others to travel home themselves.
"Similarly, when a colleague woke up late for parade and realised that their boots were soaking wet and muddy from the day before, Sapper Morrison generously gave them a pair of his boots for the day.
"This was much to the amusement of his troop as his friend wore a size eight and Sapper Morrison was a size 12."
Lieutenant Colonel Crossley added: "He was an avid supporter of Scottish football, with a great sense of humour and would cheerfully join his friends in the pub to watch England games, but when they got overexcited about their teams’ prospects, he enjoyed reminding them that England drew with Scotland in Euro 2020, and therefore “England, can’t even beat Scotland”.
"Sapper Morrison will be sorely missed by the Regiment and all those he served alongside. We will remember him."
Connor qualified as a Class 2 Combat Engineer in February of this year, earning his Corps of Royal Engineers stable belt.
After gaining his driving licence, he began his specialist trade training at the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration in Worthy Down, where he went on to qualify as a Class 2 Logistical Specialist.
Following this, having volunteered for service with Airborne Forces, Sapper Morrison reported for duty at 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, and donned the coveted maroon beret.
He arrived at the Regiment alongside friends from his course and was re-united with others from training.
Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said: "It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of Sapper Connor Liam Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment.
"It's clear from his colleagues that he had a passion for the British Army, made an instant positive impact on all those he served with, and always put the needs of his fellow soldiers above his own."
An Inquest into Sapper Morrison's death is due to be held at a later date.
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