A WEE COUNTY woman is to receive a Meritorious Service Medal after an "exemplary" career in the Army.

Spanning 26 years, Sharon Young started her journey in the military as a driver in the Royal Corps of Transport before transferring to the Adjutant Generals Crops (Staff & Personnel Support) as a combat human resource specialist, leaving with the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two.

Born in Clackmannan, she attended the town's primary school and later went to Lornshill Academy after the family moved to Glenochil.

Embarking on a military career very much runs in the family as Sharon's step-dad and brother both served.

Her career lead Sharon on operational tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus, with exercises in Norway, Canada, Belize and Kenya.

According to her Certificate of Service, Sharon's conduct was "exemplary" with commanding officers praising her skills, aptitude and "consistently professional" and "selfless" work.

Being part of a team was one of the greatest aspects of the military, according to the county woman, who enjoyed the discipline and structure of army life.

Back in civil clothes, Sharon said her post-service days are "completely different", but she is very much "enjoying it" and has taken an HR job with a construction company in the area.

She was part of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland and she said that leaving the army with the 3 SCOTS, after more than two-and-a-half decades of service, was a proud moment for her.