A soldier has been shot dead during a training exercise at a Highland RAF base.

Police and paramedics were called to RAF Tain near Inverness shortly before 6pm on Tuesday over reports of an incident involving around 20 members of the armed forces.

The victim, who has not been named but whose next of kin have been informed, was taking part in a live-fire exercise when the incident happened.

Police Scotland, who have 30 detectives working on the inquiry, said no one else was injured.

Chief inspector Iain MacLelland said: "We are leading the investigation to find out exactly what has happened where the serviceman has sadly died.

"The incident is confined to the area and we're satisfied there was no risk to the public at any time. The persons who were involved in this were participating in the exercise."

A cordon set up around the base on the Dornoch Firth, Easter Ross, remained in place on Wednesday.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We will release more information as and when it becomes available. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this point."

On Wednesday morning, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is a tragic incident and my deepest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the person who has died.

"It is another important reminder of the often difficult and dangerous job our armed forces do every day."

Theresa May expressed her sympathy with the serviceman's family during Prime Minister's Questions.

Ms May said: "I and - I'm sure - the whole House would wish to pass on our condolences to the friends and family of the serviceman who has died at the Tain range."

She made the comments after the SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson raised the tragedy in the Commons.

He said: "It is with sadness that we learnt of the death of a serviceman in a live firing exercise at the range in Tain, and no doubt the Prime Minister, and colleagues across this house will extend their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the serviceman who has died so tragically."

The Tain range is used by the British Army, the Royal Navy and the RAF as well as the US Air Force and other Nato air forces for bombing and strafing practice. Typhoons and Tornados from RAF Lossiemouth are the main users of the range.

The incident comes a little more than two months after a soldier was shot dead during a live-firing exercise at the Otterburn Training Area.

Private Conor McPherson, 24, a member of the Black Watch, sustained a serious head wound at the Northumberland range on August 22.

Just over a month before private McPherson's death a soldier died on a training exercise on what was the hottest day of the year in Brecon, south Wales.

Joshua Hoole, from Ecclefechan near Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, was training for the Platoon Sergeants' Battle Course when he died on July 19.

The 26-year-old member of the Rifles regiment collapsed after taking part in a fitness test near the Dering Lines infantry training centre at about 6.30am.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding both earlier deaths.