IT was a tribute to a former student and past rector admired by many for his contribution to his old university - as well as his many political achievements.
Some 600 people filed into Glasgow University's Bute Hall for a service to commemorate the life of Charles Kennedy, who died suddenly earlier this month at the age of 55.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie and Scottish Secretary David Mundell were among the congregation, along with former Lib Dem leader Menzies Campbell, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and former Scottish Labour leaders Iain Gray and Johann Lamont.
Mr Kennedy's partner, Carole MacDonald, also attended, along with former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, a close friend of the former MP who lost his seat at the House of Commons in last month's general election.
The service began with Mr Campbell and his brother, Donald Campbell, piping in leading figures from the university.
Sir Kenneth Calman, university chancellor, shared some memories of Mr Kennedy.
"We enjoyed each other's company and there was always banter and humour between the serious parts of our conversation," he recalled.
He added: "In the 500th anniversary book of the university that was published in 1951, there was an inscription on the front page in Latin, Gaelic and English: 'To the people of Scotland the heirs of our inheritance'.
"Charles contributed greatly to this university's inheritance and to the people of Scotland."
Mr Kennedy, who died after suffering a major haemorrhage as a result of a long battle with alcoholism, studied politics and philosophy at the university, graduating with an MA (Hons) in 1982.
He also sharpened his renowned debating skills there, before being elected to Westminster the following year.
The politician received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2001 and was later elected rector in 2008, holding the position for six years.
He became the first Glasgow rector to be re-elected for a second term since former prime minister Benjamin Disraeli in the 1870s.
The service, led by university chaplain the Reverend Stuart MacQuarrie, also heard from Lord Wallace, a former Scottish Lib Dem leader and former deputy first minister, who told how he formed a close friendship after being elected on the same day as Mr Kennedy.
He described Mr Kennedy as a "man of principle" but also remembered his bonhomie.
"His sense of fun was infectious, his wit could be razor sharp and often self-deprecating of himself and the party," Lord Wallace said.
He said that, in spite of his "fundamental disagreement" with former prime minister Tony Blair over the invasion of Iraq, Mr Kennedy was "never vindictive about opponents".
"Even in private I never heard him speak ill about those with whom he disagreed, Frustration, yes, but malice, no.
"And I can't help but think how much healthier would be the political climate in Scotland today if people and overly zealous activists in particular could emulate Charles Kennedy and respect the sincerely held views of others."
He concluded by saying: "Charles, we your family, your friends and your colleagues, and many, many more beyond this hall loved you very much. We miss you. Will we ever see your like again?"
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