A soldier from Edinburgh who saved his commander from a grenade thrown by insurgents in Afghanistan has been awarded a medal for heroism.

Lance Corporal James McKie grabbed the live grenade and threw it back at his attackers. He suffered fragmentation injuries when the weapon exploded in the air, but saved a number of his colleagues’ lives in the process.

He is among a number of Edinburgh-based soldiers to be recognised as part of the Operational Honours list issued on Friday. The list includes two riflemen who lost their lives during a six-month tour in Helmand province.

Lance Corporal McKie said: “It was dropping down into the alleyway before it detonated. As I continued to watch it, as you are trained to, I received fragmentation in my face and right arm.”

His actions have been described as showing “utter selflessness” and being “of the most conspicuous valour”.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, who commands 3rd Battalion The Rifles, which is based at Redford Barracks, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He was praised for improving safety and tackling corrupt officials in Sangin, Helmand. Thirty of his troops died during a seven-month tour, but Lieutenant Colonel Kitson is said to have “demonstrated indomitable leadership throughout”.

Troops from Redford and Dreghorn barracks in the capital returned from a gruelling tour in April.

IN DETAIL

• Full list of today's honours

Major Tim Harris, commander of The Rifles A company, was made MBE for “inspirational example, humbling courage, tenacity and extraordinary demonstration of leadership in the face of seemingly overwhelming adversity”. His company lost six troops during their tour.

Corporal Lee Brownson, who was killed near Sangin by an improvised explosive in January this year, was awarded a posthumous Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Rifleman Mark Turner was awarded a posthumous Mention in Dispatches. He died in April on foot patrol after an explosion in the Kajaki area of Helmand province.