A CUMNOCK soldier is taking part in a training exercise in the blistering heat of Oman.

Fusilier Stefan Brady, 18, who serves with B Company, The Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) is taking part in the exercise.

Soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland are training alongside troops from the Royal Army of Oman’s Parachute Battalion as part of Exercise Jebel Storm.

The mission is designed to help forge links with other armed forces in the region and increase UK influence through the use of its defence forces.

Major John Dunn Officer Commanding B Company, explained: “The exercise has allowed 2 SCOTS, reinforced by Reservists from 6 SCOTS, and the Omani’s parachute battalion to train together in the Jebel Al Akhdar region of the country.

“It also assists in forging a closer relationship between the two units.

“The exercise, which runs until April 28, is going very well and is an excellent opportunity for 2 SCOTS to improve its war fighting skills following our successful deployment to Afghanistan on Operation Toral.”

The 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland forms part of the Scottish based 51st Infantry Brigade which has international defence engagement responsibility for the Middle East.