Hundreds of firefighters lined an Edinburgh street in tribute to a colleague who died after being critically injured in service.
Barry Martin, 38, died in hospital four days after he was severely hurt while tackling a blaze in the city's former Jenners department store on January 23.
Firefighters and members of the public gathered along the length of the Royal Mile near St Giles Cathedral ahead of his funeral at 12.30pm on Friday.
Nicola Sturgeon and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge joined the cortege which made its way up from the base of the Royal Mile.
In a tribute shared online ahead of the procession, the First Minister wrote: "Rest in peace, Firefighter Martin. Scotland thanks you for your service and courage."
The cortege was led by a fire engine with a wreath referencing the 38-year-old's base of McDonald Road Community Fire Station.
Mr Martin, from Rosyth in Fife, is the first firefighter to die in the line of duty since 2009.
He is survived by his wife, Shelley Martin, 36, and their two sons, eight-year-old twins Oliver and Daniel.
In a touching tribute, Mrs Martin described him as a devoted father and said the family's love for him "will last forever".
“Our sons could not have wished for a more loving and attentive father,” she said.
“I felt utterly privileged to be his wife throughout our life together and always will.
“Our love, admiration and respect for him, will last forever.”
Mrs Martin also explained that his empathy and drive to help others "during their time of greatest need" motivated him to work as a firefighter.
The family thanked those gathered for their support, wishes and love at the hardest time of their lives.
The firefighter was part of the Blue Watch at the McDonald Road Community Fire Station in Edinburgh. He was given a Guard of Honour by colleagues from his station.
The Blue Watch had been stood down to allow staff to attend the funeral.
His fellow Blue Watch firefighter accompanied their colleague one last time as the pallbearers.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) interim chief officer gave Mr Martin the last salute before entering the Cathedral.
ICO Ross Haggart said: "Our thoughts remain with Barry Martin’s wife Shelley, his sons Oliver and Daniel, and all his family, friends and colleagues who mourn his loss.
“Barry was part of Blue Watch at McDonald Road Community Fire Station, many of whom joined the cortege today to pay a fitting tribute to their colleague.
“They will remember Barry as a Firefighter who was hardworking and loyal and who displayed an unwavering commitment, not only to his family, but to his role within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The top firefighter said the "selfless duty" of the father-of-two would "never be forgotten".
“I’d also like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the well-wishers who joined us here in Edinburgh, not only those in St Giles’ Cathedral but everyone who took their place along the Royal Mile," he added.
“Since Barry’s death, we have been overwhelmed with messages of support from around the world and we are grateful to everyone for the time they have taken to share these.
“We all feel this loss deeply and we will ensure that Barry's selfless duty will never be forgotten.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also honoured the firefighter.
He wrote: "Barry Martin gave his life to keep people safe. We must never forget the heroic work that our frontline workers do.
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross also joined the service at the Edinburgh cathedral and called the 38-year-old an "inspiration to us all".
"Incredibly moving service at St Giles' Cathedral this afternoon for firefighter Barry Martin," he wrote on Twitter.
"His bravery and service was an inspiration to us all. May he rest in peace."
The director of Red Cross Scotland, Rob Murray, also paid tribute: "On behalf of everyone at (Red Cross Scotland) I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Firefighter Barry Martin’s family, friends and colleagues in the (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service).
"A very moving service of celebration and thanksgiving of Barry’s life. May he rest in peace."
A minute's silence was also held at fire departments across the UK earlier this week.
The Fire Brigades Union vowed that an investigation will be launched into the circumstances of the death as they paid tribute to the "dedicated firefighter".
General secretary Matt Wrack added ahead of the funeral: “Like so many firefighters, he put himself at risk to save the lives of others.
“In due course, we will investigate the events that led to his death. Today, we are grieving for a colleague and a friend.”
Vice president of the union Ben Selby wrote on Twitter: "Today is another day the entire fire brigade family comes together.
"We do so to remember our brother, Barry Martin and the ultimate sacrifice he paid whilst undertaking his duty."
At the height of the fire in the former department building, 22 fire engines were at the scene tackling the "very serious and complex incident".
More than 100 firefighters joined the efforts to bring the flames under control.
Two other firefighters were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, and two were treated for burns.
Mr Martin sadly succumbed to his injuries on January 27.
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