A soldier shot dead at an RAF base in the Highlands has been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Lance corporal Joe Spencer, 24, from Hampshire, died during a live firing exercise at RAF Tain in Easter Ross on Tuesday.

Nobody else was injured in the incident, which involved about 20 members of the armed forces.

On Wednesday, defence minister Mark Lancaster said: "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that lance corporal Joe Spencer from 3rd Battalion The Rifles died at RAF Tain on Tuesday.

"My thoughts are with Joe's family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.

"We are cooperating with the police investigation and looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident."

LCpl Spencer joined the army in 2011 and completed a tour of Afghanistan, as well as serving in Kenya and the US.

Police Scotland is leading the inquiry into the shooting and has assigned 30 officers to the case.

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."

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 LCpl Spencer's family during Prime Minister's Questions this week.

LCpl Spencer's death comes two months after another soldier was shot dead during a live firing exercise at the Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland.

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

Just over a month before private McPherson's death, a Scottish soldier died on a training exercise in Brecon, south Wales.

Joshua Hoole, from Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway, died on July 19 near the Dering Lines infantry training centre.

RAF Tain is used by the British armed forces and other Nato nations for shooting, bombing and strafing practice. Typhoons and Tornados from RAF Lossiemouth are the main users of the Tain range.