Stained glass window created in memory of Charles Kennedy

The 55 year-old was found dead in his cottage in Fort William in the Highlands on June 1 last year, less than a month after losing his Commons seat.

The former MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber died after suffering a major haemorrhage as a result of his long battle with alcoholism.

A year later, a window has been installed at his parish church of St John’s in Caol, near his former home.

Parish priest Father Roddy McAuley had said the colourful window would not be seen until the unveiling service on Wednesday.

But artist Pinkie MacLure has shared images of the window on her social media pages.

She said: “I thought it was a lovely idea and it was a great honour to be asked to make it.

“I was told to include the eagle and Ben Nevis, but they left the rest up to me.

Westminster drinking culture ‘killed Charles Kennedy’

“I asked a bit more about his family and discovered his father used to play the fiddle in the church so I decided it would be nice to include some music as well as a fiddle.”

The window was made from handblown glass which was made to order in Germany.

It also includes Mr Kennedy’s name, the dates of his birth and death, his initials and bulrushes and violets which are symbols of humility.

It also commemorates his parents Ian and Mary who provided music for the vigil mass at the church for more than 40 years.

Mr Kennedy’s brother Ian said he will attend the unveiling service but the politician’s ex-wife Sarah Gurling and their 11-year-old son Donald would be unable to do so.

He said they had both been involved in the of the memorial window.

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