Colin Maclachlan

Colin Maclachlan is a distinguished former SAS operator with over 30 years of experience in security and risk management. His remarkable journey began when he joined the army and, by the age of 23, successfully passed selection into the elite 22 SAS. Colin's career has been marked by participation in high-profile missions, including Operation Certain Death, where he played a crucial role in rescuing British soldiers held hostage by a guerilla gang in Sierra Leone. His expertise also saw him as the first sniper on the scene during a hijacked Afghan flight incident in London, which became the longest hostage siege on UK soil. Colin's experiences took a harrowing turn when he was taken hostage in Basra, Iraq. Enduring a mock execution, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving long enough for British troops to rescue him. Following his time in the SAS, Colin engaged in security consultancy for prominent figures, including the Saudi Royal Family and A-list celebrities. He later pursued higher education, earning a First-Class MA (Hons.) in History from the University of Edinburgh and an MLit in Terrorism from the University of St Andrews. In addition to his extensive military background, Colin is actively involved in various charitable initiatives, serving as an ambassador for organisations such as the Lee Rigby Foundation and NSPCC. He founded his own charity, Who Dares Cares, which aims to support veterans and those facing stress. Colin's diverse career equips him to speak on a range of topics, including resilience, leadership, and conflict resolution. He is also a co-founder of Stoic Events, a team-building organisation, and an experienced presenter. His autobiography, The Pilgrim, was released in 2025, further sharing his insights and experiences.