A Black Watch soldier who died six weeks after being fatally wounded in Afghanistan has been laid to rest.
The service for Corporal Thomas 'Tam' Mason was interred near Dunfermline on Thursday afternoon.
Paying tribute to her son after his funeral, Mr Mason's mum Linda Buchanan and Step Father Charlie Buchanan said: "The past weeks have been the most traumatic and difficult times that we as a family have ever had to face. So many people have helped us through this difficult time that there are far too many to mention individually but we know who you are and we thank you.
"However, we would like to pay particular thanks to the medical team at Selly Oak Hospital for the care they gave Tam and for maintaining his dignity throughout his stay at the hospital.
"We would also like to thank Sergeant Major Dougie Graham for his support at the beginning of this devastating journey, and our special thanks to Captain Lorne Campbell who has given invaluable support to us as a family. We could not have got through this terrible time without them.
"Finally, our thanks to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland for their tributes to Tam and for the reverence they showed while laying their brother to rest.
"Tam died as a result of doing the job he loved, a job he was proud and honoured to do.
"To us he always has been and always will be a hero."
His wife Kylie said: "There are no words in the world that would even come close to describe what a great husband Tam was. He was the most genuine and kindest man I have ever known."
Corporal Mason was injured by an improvised explosive device while on duty in Kandahar on September 15. He died six weeks later at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital.
The 27-year-old born in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire and was brought up in Rosyth.
He joined the army in February 2005 and served in Afghanistan the following year before he returned to study to become a Mortar Fire Controller. He deployed again to Afghanistan in March this year.
His colleagues are due to return to Edinburgh from their tour of duty on Saturday.
Last updated: 05 November 2009, 22:25
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