A soldier from a Scottish regiment who died in southern Afghanistan on Thursday has been named as Corporal Sean Binnie.

The Ministry of Defence said Corporal Binnie - from the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland - was killed on Thursday as a result of a gunshot wound.

The 22-year-old soldier, who was married only six months ago, suffered an injury during a patrol with the Afghan National Army at Woqab, close to Musa Qal'eh, in Helmand Province. He was involved in a fire fight with insurgents.

It is understood that Corporal Binnie was born in Dublin but lived a majority of his life in Scotland. In the past few months, he moved to Belfast but continued to spend a lot of time in the Aberdeen area.

The Black Watch is based in Perth.

A MoD spokesman said the soldier was taking part in a routine "reassurance" patrol.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said: "This is another tragic situation where we all feel this great loss.

"Words mean very little in this extremely sad situation but our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this brave soldier."

Corporal Binnie joined the Army in 2003. Following basic training he joined his battalion in Warminster, Wiltshire, and moved with them to Belfast at the end of 2005, taking part in the operation to close down British Army bases in the Province.

He had served with his battalion in Iraq and the Falkland Islands. Corporal Binnie passed the arduous Section Commanders’ Battle Course last year and took command of his section in time to deploy on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan in March, living and working amongst the Afghan troops.

Corporal Binnie’s wife, Amanda, said: "My husband, my hero - you have been so strong and brave. Our married life has been a short six months and I’m speaking for both of us in saying it was the best six months ever.

"I know you have died a happy married man in doing what you loved. We’re so proud of you.

Corporal Binnie’s mother, Janette, added: “We are devastated at the loss of our son, Sean.  We are very proud of him and he will be missed always.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright, Commanding Officer of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland commented: “Corporal Sean Binnie has given his life in service of others in the career that he loved.  He died in the defence of his friends and his comrades in the Afghan National Army.  His death is a great blow for everyone in The Black Watch."