HUNDREDS more Scottish soldiers - around half our entire infantry strength - could be heading for Afghanistan.

HUNDREDS more Scottish soldiers - around half our entire infantry strength - could be heading for Afghanistan.

Reports today in our sister paper The Herald suggest almost 1400 Scots could be heading for the war zone.

Two complete battalions from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and another company group were said to be on standby for a tour in the country in March.

It was reported that the Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland had already begun training for the mission.

They would be joined by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

In addition, a request is also believed to have been made for a company group from the Highlanders 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland to be on standby.

The total possible deployment would be around half the Scottish infantry force.

Eighty-two British troops have died in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November 2001.

The MoD refused to comment on today's reports.