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Former SAS operator & speaker

Colin Maclachlan

Transform teams through resilience and leadership with Colin Maclachlan, speaker and former SAS operator. Colin works with organisations to develop crisis management strategies and elite performance mindsets, delivering combat-tested insights from high-stakes military operations and security consultancy.

Trusted by Flywire, Property Academy, Microsoft

Colin Maclachlan, Speaker | SAS Veteran, Author
Colin Maclachlan

Colin Maclachlan

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Colin Maclachlan's biography

At a glance

  • 18-year military veteran in Royal Scots and 22 SAS
  • Star of SAS: Who Dares Wins
  • Experienced security and risk consultant
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.

Colin's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Leadership Lessons From The Special Forces
In his talk, Colin Maclachlan recounts his journey from a challenging upbringing to selection for the UK Special Forces (22 SAS). He shares thrilling and humorous stories of his missions while reflecting on key lessons everyone can take into their professional and personal lives. Colin also addresses themes of mental resilience, navigating change, and overcoming adversity, leaving attendees with valuable insights on resilience and adaptability.
The Role Of A.I. In The Special Forces
In his engaging talk, Colin MacLachlan examines the impact of artificial intelligence and cyber on modern warfare and in elite Special Forces. He argues that human expertise and adaptability remain essential in high-stakes operations. Through real-world examples, Colin illustrates how A.I. enhances battlefield intelligence, giving attendees fascinating insights into the future of A.I. in both the Special Forces and normal working life.

Why we recommend booking Colin

Colin Maclachlan, SAS veteran and acclaimed speaker, offers insights on resilience, leadership, and teamwork. With over 30 years of experience, his expertise addresses today’s challenges. Book Colin to enhance your team's performance.

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Trusted by Flywire, Property Academy, Microsoft

Testimonials

Colin was AWESOME! I've worked in events for over 20 years, and I can say hands down that he was the best keynote speaker I've had. He had a very interesting story to tell, and he told it in an highly engaging way, with a unique mix of humour and emotion. He has a very niche skill set yet he made it relevant to the audience in their day to day lives. He had every single one of the audience in the palm of his hand.

Sarah Christopher

Flywire

We started our first Group in 2009 and each Group sees six speakers per year. Having addressed all our groups with unmatched expertise, he's the sole speaker to achieve a perfect 10 rating, and I'd book him again in a heartbeat. His presentations on leadership, risk management, conflict resolution, and roles and responsibilities are both enlightening and motivating. His extensive knowledge and background add substantial value to each session. Moreover, his collaborative and likeable demeanor resonates with everyone, creating an enjoyable learning atmosphere.

Danielle Nash

Property Academy

In a world where we have all had to adapt and hone our resilience, Colin hit the mark perfectly with his pitch and delivery

Simon

Microsoft

Featured Projects

Colin Maclachlan - The Pilgrim book cover
Colin Maclachlan - SAS: Who Dares Wins: Leadership Secrets From The Special Forces book cover
Colin Maclachlan - Life Or Death book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Colin Maclachlan for my next event?
Email colin.maclachlan@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Colin's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Colin Maclachlan's speaking style like?
Colin Maclachlan structures his talks around first-person accounts of named SAS operations — including Operation Certain Death and a hostage situation in Basra — using these as anchors to draw out transferable lessons on resilience, leadership, and adaptability.
What topics does Colin Maclachlan specialise in?
Colin Maclachlan's sessions cover leadership lessons drawn from Special Forces service, the role of artificial intelligence in elite military operations, and themes of mental resilience, change management, and overcoming adversity. He served 18 years across the Royal Scots and 22 SAS, including operational roles in Operation Certain Death in Sierra Leone and the longest hostage siege on UK soil, and is known as a star of the television series SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.