Tributes to soldier killed in Iraq

Soldiers of The Black Watch joined family, friends and townspeople today to pay tribute to a soldier killed in action in Iraq.

A military funeral for Lance Corporal Barry “Baz” Stephen, 31, from the 1st Battalion The Black Watch was held at St John’s Church, in Perth.

Up to 900 people were inside the church with several hundred more lining the streets outside.

A lone regimental piper played a lament as invited guests and family arrived for the service.

Lance Corporal Stephen, from Scone in Perthshire, was the only Scottish soldier killed in action during the conflict.

The soldier died saving colleagues during a military attack near Al Zubayr in southern Iraq on March 24.

Shops and businesses near the church were closed as a mark of respect, and local roads had been closed from the previous evening.

The family party arrived in a fleet of limousines at 12.30pm, and Lance Corporal Stephen’s widow, Shirley, was greeted by minister the Rev David Ogston.

Some members of the party brushed tears from their eyes as they entered the church amid the silence of the square around them.

The service, with readings and prayers, was relayed to the crowd outside by a public address system.

Many people listened with heads bowed and hands folded in front of them.