Funeral Of Top Scottish Lawyer Paul McBride

Figures from the legal, political and sporting world are joining friends and family of Paul McBride QC at his funeral.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon, a friend and neighbour of Mr McBride, will also be among the mourners at St Aloysius Church in Glasgow.

Celtic's first team squad will also attend, as will Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond.

Mr McBride, one of Scotland's most high profile legal figures, died in his sleep during a business trip to Pakistan last week . The 47-year-old was found dead in his hotel room in Lahore.

A post-mortem found there were no suspicious circumstances and that he had died of natural causes.

He was accompanied on the trip to Pakistan by fellow lawyer Aamer Anwar. On arrival back in Glasgow at the weekend, Mr Anwar said: "It is not a cliche to say that Scotland has lost a son. For many, Paul McBride was an outstanding and fearless lawyer, a good friend and loving son and partner.

"I hope the fact that Paul is now finally back home will provide some peace and comfort. I want to thank Paul's friends, including the Lord Advocate, Strathclyde Police and the First Minister's office, who provided real support in horrific circumstances."

Throughout his career, Mr McBride earned a reputation as one of the country's finest legal minds and top courtroom performers, acting as defence counsel in a number of high-profile cases. He became Scotland's youngest QC at the age of 35.

Latterly, he had gained prominence acting for Celtic Football Club.

He had been due to give evidence in the current trial of two men accused of sending explosive packages to him and other alleged Celtic-associated targets, including Neil Lennon. The two men deny the charges against them.

Following the requiem mass, there will be a private burial at St Conval's Cemetery in Barrhead.