Colin MacLachlan

Youngest SAS Operative in Two Decades, First Sniper on Scene of Stanstead Airport Hijacking, Star of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins & Sunday Times Bestselling Author

Colin MacLachlan’s Biography:

Colin MacLachlan is a former Special Forces Commander and one of the UK’s most compelling keynote speakers on resilience, risk, teamwork and leadership under pressure. Having served at the highest level of the 22 SAS Regiment, Colin led and participated in some of the most high-stakes operations undertaken by British Special Forces. His frontline experience, combined with public recognition from SAS: Who Dares Wins, positions him as a speaker who delivers both credibility and powerful, real-world insight.

Colin’s military career began at an exceptionally young age when he joined the British Army as a teenager, later becoming the youngest individual in two decades to pass selection for the SAS. His operational service took him to some of the world’s most dangerous environments, including Iraq, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. During these deployments, Colin developed a deep understanding of leadership, teamwork and decision-making in life-or-death situations. He played a key role in hostage rescue missions such as Operation Barras in Sierra Leone and was involved in the response to the Stansted Airport hostage crisis.

Alongside his operational career, Colin invested heavily in academic and professional development. He earned a Master’s degree in History from the University of Edinburgh and later completed a degree in Terrorism at the University of St Andrews. He is the founder of Who Dares Cares, a charity supporting veterans with stress and PTSD, and serves as an ambassador for several leading charitable organisations. Colin is also the author of the bestselling autobiography ‘The Pilgrim‘ and co-author of ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins: Leadership Secrets from the Special Forces’.

Beyond his military and charitable work, Colin has built a successful media career, appearing as a lead instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins. His ability to communicate complex, high-pressure lessons with clarity and authenticity makes his insights highly transferable to business, leadership and organisational performance.

Why Hire Colin MacLachlan?

Colin is hired as a keynote speaker for his rare ability to turn extreme frontline experience into practical, relatable leadership lessons. Drawing on SAS operations, hostage rescues and his role on SAS: Who Dares Wins, he delivers gripping, authentic talks on resilience, risk management and teamwork. His keynotes resonate with corporate and public-sector audiences, equipping teams with the mindset and tools required to perform under pressure.

Colin MacLachlan’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Colin MacLachan’s inspirational career:

• 2025 – Hosted Charity Evening for Blesma
• 2024 – Fundraiser for Who Dares Cares, completing the Edinburgh Kiltwalk
• 2018 – Co-founded the charity Who Dares Cares to support veterans and individuals experiencing stress.
• 2017 – Published autobiography The Pilgrim, which became a Sunday Times Bestseller.
• 2015 – Appeared on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.
• 2004 – Taken hostage in Basra, Iraq, and survived a mock execution.
• 2000 – Was the first sniper on the scene during the Stansted Airport hijacking.
• 2000 – Participated in Operation Barras, rescuing hostages from the West Side Boys in Sierra Leone.
• 1997 – Passed selection into the 22 SAS Regiment at the age of 23.