Scots soldiers have been bringing joy to children in Afghanistan by handing out kites.
The Second Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland secured the Afghan village of Popalzai in the Lashkar Gah area of the country along with the local army.
Now they are concentrating on building relationships with the local community and have found the kites have gone down a storm.
Children in the area were not allowed to play with the popular toys when the insurgents ruled the village. With the help of soldiers from The Royal Highland Fusiliers, they are now building and flying the kites.
Colour Sergeant Roddy Weir said: “Before long the soldiers were sharing a laugh and a joke with the local children. The kids were thrilled to receive the kites and almost overwhelmed the soldiers who were showing them how to put them together.
“It was a strange experience for most of the young soldiers - it's not often you deploy on a foot patrol only to find yourself playing with kites and entertaining the local children.”
When on joint patrol, British and Afghan troops usually hand out notebooks, pens and Afghan flags as they build up links in the community.
The kite kits are a new addition to the presents and dozens were handed out on Wednesday.
Lieutenant Erik Smith added: “This was a fantastic sight and real evidence of progress in Helmand province.
“Sights like this are becoming increasingly common and, as the confidence of people and communities gets stronger, there is nothing the insurgents can do about it.
“Even in areas that were previously contested, children can now approach the ISAF and Afghan forces without fear.”
The troops - who are based in Penicuik - are half way through their current tour in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.
IN PICTURES
To leave a comment, please sign in.