Former boss in tribute to soldier

Sjt Scott also served in Iraq and Northern Ireland

The former employer of a North Yorkshire soldier killed in a blast in Afghanistan has paid tribute to him.

Serjeant Phillip Scott, 30, a gamekeeper's son from Malton, was killed in an explosives clearance operation in Sangin on Thursday.

Before joining the army, he worked alongside his father at the Zetland Estate in Richmond.

Lord Ronaldshay, of the Zetland Estate, said: "He was enthusiastic, incredibly polite and very industrious."

His former boss said even though Sjt Scott, a married father of two, had left for the army, he still maintained contact with people on the estate.

'Intent sadness'

"Mike Scott his father has been here many years and quite a few of the people who work here have been here for a good number of years... so even though Philip had been in the army for eight years he still came back often when he was on leave.

"People saw him, went for a drink with him so he was part of the fabric."

Lord Ronaldshay said the soldier's death had saddened former colleagues.

"It's this disbelief mingled with intent sadness.

"It's still very, very raw and new, the funeral is to come and I'm sure that will be a very emotional event and then it's just getting used to the idea of someone you knew that you'll never see again which is such a sad, sad thing."

Sjt Scott had been with his regiment, 3rd Battalion The Rifles, in Afghanistan since September.

He was serving alongside his brother Robin. He lived with his wife and children in Edinburgh.

The Rifles continue to use the rank of serjeant - the archaic form of sergeant

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