Marc Allan, originally from Pitcaple, travelled to Belize with more than 100 colleagues from Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (FPGRM), who are normally based at HMNB Clyde near Helensburgh, to undergo intensive tropical training aimed at honing their jungle combat skills. They were joined by 40 members of the Royal Marine Reserves from all over Scotland.

The Royal Marines are renowned for their ability to operate in any climate, anywhere in the world and partake in frequent exercises to maintain their skills, from jungle combat training in Central America to Arctic warfare training in Norway in the depths of winter.

The expedition was led by FPGRM's Major Jamie Summers and took place over a ten day period beginning with a three day acclimatisation phase at the British Army Training Support Unit, Belize known as Batsub.

Commenting on his experiences Marc said: "I haven't been in the Marines long, but have already had many great experiences.

"The latest was this exercise in Belize in which I particularly enjoyed the live firing scenarios as part of the jungle warfare package which we were completing. Getting used to the difficult terrain and the heat was hard work, but the whole experience will come in useful during my career in the Marines.

He added: "I can't wait to see what my career as a Commando will bring in the future."

Marc is part of FPG, which has responsibility for protecting the UK strategic nuclear deterrent and its related functions, based on the Clyde at Faslane and Coulport.

Getting used to the searing heat and saturating humidity, while travelling through difficult terrain in full combat gear with all associated equipment is all part of the life of a Royal Marine. The Marines faced all manner of unusual and sometimes dangerous creatures including tarantulas, snakes, lizards, giant ants and monkeys.