Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has been remembered for his humility as hundreds of people paid their last respects at his funeral.
Family and friends have joined with senior politicians and members of the local community in large numbers for a funeral mass at the St John the Evangelist church in Caol, Fort William, in the Highlands.
The father of one died suddenly at his home on June 1 at the age of 55.
Preaching the homily, parish priest Father Roddy McAuley said the “much-loved and respected parishioner” will be “sorely missed”.
He told the congregation: “Charles Kennedy was a humble man. When Charles’s parents died and Charles said a few words in the church, he wouldn’t come up here to the lectern but insisted on speaking outside the sanctuary, from the floor.
“In this church, Charles was one of the ‘backbenchers’. He didn’t always sit in the same pew but he always sat at the back of the church.”
Fr McAuley also spoke of the family’s long-standing links with the church, and of the former MP’s love of music.
The priest said: “Ian and Mary Kennedy, the parents of Charles, Isobel and Ian, were both awarded the Benemerenti medal, Latin for the ‘well deserved’ medal, for their services to their church.
“The Benemerenti medal was accepted with great humility by Mary and Ian, and never displayed. That humility was inherited by Charles, Isobel and Ian.
“Mary played the organ and Ian the fiddle here in St John’s for over 40 years, and at their son Charles’s funeral today we are pleased to have a number of musicians who have come together to play, as they did for the funerals of his parents.
“Charles loved music and he famously quoted: ‘I couldn’t imagine a day without music. It relaxes and stimulates me in equal measure, and I hate the sound of silence – the concept I mean, not the track by Simon and Garfunkel’.”
He went on: “There have been beautiful tributes paid to Charles especially over the past week or so. Something we might add is the importance of Charles’s faith to him.
“He was a much-loved and respected parishioner of St John’s and he will be sorely missed.”
Mr Kennedy’s ex-wife Sarah Gurling and their 10-year-old son Donald were among the mourners.
Senior Lib Dems Nick Clegg, Danny Alexander, Sir Menzies Campbell, Sir Malcolm Bruce and Michael Moore were also at the service.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney, former prime minister Gordon Brown and close friend Alastair Campbell were present, joined by Mr Kennedy’s partner Carole MacDonald.
Outside the church, a floral tribute of white roses from Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha carried the message: “The country has lost an extraordinary talent whose character and courage inspired us all.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Donald and all Charles’s friends at this incredibly sad time.”