Afghan hero welcomed In Muir of Ord

Sgt Duncan Slater with daughter, Lily

Sgt Duncan Slater, of the RAF Regiment, is on the final stage of the gruelling Lands End to John O’Groats challenge to raise money to support other injured servicemen and women.

Two years ago, the former Dingwall Academy pupil suffered horrific injuries when his patrol vehicle triggered an explosive device, badly damaging his legs and injuring his spine. After months of treatment and many operations but with no sign of improvement, he decided last summer to have both legs amputed below the knee.

Having fought his way back to fitness, Sgt Slater is undertaking the cycle ride as part of a 25-strong team to raise money for the Royal British Legion Battle Back Centre, a national centre of excellence for sports and activity-based rehabilitation to helped injured Armed Forces personnel.

The team today took a slight detour from their route for a lunch stop with his parents, Larry and Hazel Slater, of Highfield Circle, and his sister, Catherine Rait, of Beauly, his wife, Kim, and 15-month-old daughter, Lily.

Praising his son’s efforts, Mr Slater said: “We are really proud of him. It isn't even a year since he had his legs amputated.”