Prominent Lib Dem figures gather to honour Charles Kennedy

Past and present leaders of the Liberal Democrats will be among those gathered at a memorial service for Charles Kennedy, who died in June.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg will attend the service in London to remember Mr Kennedy's life.

Former Lib Dem leader Mr Kennedy died at his home in Fort William aged 55 after suffering a major haemorrhage as a result of a long battle with alcoholism.

Friends, family and colleagues of Mr Kennedy will gather for the service at St George's Cathedral in Southwark to pay tribute to the former Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP.

Ahead of the service, Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie wrote in the Sunday Herald: "Five months on from his passing, I still find it difficult to believe that he is no longer with us.

"I have been involved in politics for nearly three decades. Charles was a constant source of inspiration to me throughout that time."

He added: "The side of Charles that most people did not see was his fierce commitment to his family, and his son Donald in particular.

"Everyone who knew Charles will miss him. But of course, they are the ones who will feel his loss most keenly.

"Charles Kennedy was a one off. A politician who could connect with people like no one else I have ever met. An MP passionate about the Highlands who made a huge contribution to our national politics."