More than 500 mourners representing the worlds of journalism, politics and the arts packed Inverness Cathedral for the funeral of Inverness Courier editor Jim Love.

Mr Love, who died on July 27th, the day after his 63rd birthday, was remembered as “a great Invernessian” by David Henderson, who spoke of his friend’s journalistic flair, sound business acumen and proper understanding of the role of the newspaper within the Inverness community.

He also touched on Mr Love’s interest in and knowledge of music, both jazz and classical, literature, good food and the theatre, which was reflected in his strong support for Eden Court.

“My friend gentleman Jim was a great Invernessian — a man of stature, a man of culture, a giant of journalism, a faithful recorder of our times, a loving husband, a cheerful friend and a lover of all the very best things in life,” he added.

Politicians present included Scottish education minister Peter Peacock and Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Danny Alexander.

First minister Jack McConnell apologised for his absence due to holiday but forwarded a personal tribute which was read by the Rev John Chambers of Ness Bank Church, who conducted the service.

“Too often we take for granted the role of newspapers and the part they play in the community,” Mr McConnell’s statement said.

“People like Jim do make a difference and it’s important to reflect on that at times like these.”

Fittingly, music played an important part in the service, which featured Elgar’s Nimrod and the hymns By Cool Siloam’s Shady Rill and Will Your Anchor Hold, the latter referring back to Mr Love’s boyhood connection with the Boy’s Brigade. It concluded with the jazz classic Chelsea Bridge, written by Billy Strayhorn and made famous by Duke Ellington, a personal favourite.

The service was followed by interment at Tomnahurch Cemetery. A retiring collection was taken on behalf of Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Nurses and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Mr Love died at his Culloden home from an inoperable brain tumour which was diagnosed in February.

He joined the Inverness Courier in 1988 and was appointed editor in 2001. He had previously spent 23 years as Highland news editor of the Press and Journal.

He leaves his wife Joan.