Sandy Jardine: Funeral held for Rangers, Hearts and Scotland great

Sandy Jardine died last week after an 18-month battle with cancer

Sir Alex Ferguson and Rangers manager Ally McCoist were among 1,000 mourners who attended a funeral service for football legend Sandy Jardine.

The former Rangers, Hearts and Scotland defender died last week, aged 65, following a battle with cancer.

He was part of Rangers European Cup Winners' Cup-winning team of 1972 and played 38 times for his country.

The funeral service was held at Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh, the city where Jardine was born.

Former Rangers player, manager and director John Greig was one of the coffin-bearers.

'Great ambassador'

The service in the Lorimer chapel began with the song The Old Rugged Cross followed by a tribute from lifelong friend David Ross.

He told mourners that the three things Jardine loved most were football, friends and family.

He said: "He will be remembered as one of the greatest ambassadors of the game."

Current Rangers players, including captain Lee McCulloch, were at the funeral

Major footballing figures at the service included former Celtic player Bertie Auld

Sir Alex Ferguson with Willie Henderson paid their respects

The order of service had a picture of Jardine with the words: "A legend in his lifetime. In our hearts forever."

Legions of Rangers fans will also remember Jardine, whose first name was William, but who was known as Sandy due to his hair colour, as someone who served the club with great distinction and loyalty, he said.

Mr Ross said his illness began with the discovery of a lump in his neck while out for dinner on November 2 2012.

He was informed that his cancer was terminal in January this year and had shown "strength and courage beyond belief", he said.

He thanked NHS staff on behalf of Jardine's wife Shona, his son, daughter and seven grandchildren.

He said: "Their service has been outstanding."

Mr Ross ended his eulogy with the words: "Billy has been a dedicated, loving husband, father and grandfather.

"Let's remember him for all his great qualities and appreciate the time we spent with him.

'Simply the best'

"We should make sure that his memory lives on in all of us as long as we live. He was simply the best."

The 40-minute service ended with mourners singing My Way, a song they were told Jardine enjoyed singing himself.

The order of service had a picture of Jardine with the words: "A legend in his lifetime. In our hearts forever."

Ex-Rangers manager Walter Smith and captain Lee McCulloch also turned out to pay their respects.

Former Scotland manager Craig Levein, Hearts boss Gary Locke, Motherwell manager Stuart McCall and Martin Bain and Ian Durrant from Rangers also attended the service, conducted by John Shields.

A floral tribute came from Rod Stewart, with the card attached to a wreath reading: "Goodbye Sandy. Rest in Peace. Rod Stewart."

There were also flowers from staff and players at Hearts, and a card attached to a wreath from Rangers said: "Sandy, you are a true legend and we will miss you forever."

A collection was made for a cancer charity at the funeral.

Jardine made almost 800 appearances in his Ibrox career, helping the side secure three league championships, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups.

He had been diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago and died last week.