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Tony Blair, who is on holiday, did not attend but promised to pay tribute at a memorial service later in the year.

However, gathered at St Giles Cathedral were former Cabinet colleagues led by the Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Joining them were MPs, members of the Scottish Parliament and politicians from further afield.

Mr Cook's wife Gaynor, dressed in a black suit, led the mourners at the service on Friday morning.

Sitting on either side of her were Christopher and Peter, his sons from his first marriage and who spoke with warmth of their father. His ex-wife Margaret sat with her partner Robin Howie.

Iraq War

Mourners were greeted by My Cook's agent, Jim Devine, as they entered the cathedral.

The chancellor paid a friend's tribute to the 59-year-old Livingston MP who collapsed while walking with his wife in the Highlands last week.

Joining him at the front of the cathedral were Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Defence Secretary John Reid, Work and Pensions Secretary David Blunkett and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain.

Cabinet colleague, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, was there, as were Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram, Aberdeen MP Anne Begg, Solicitor General Harriet Harman and former international development secretary Clare Short, who like Mr Cook resigned from the UK Government over the Iraq War.

Jim Devine greets Defence Secretary John Reid

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock was in the second row.

Scottish Labour's tribute was led by First Minister Jack McConnell and former first minister Henry McLeish paid his respects.

Labour peer Lord Elder and Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland were among the mourners.

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer George Reid was present, as was Scottish Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson.

Irish Labour's former leader, Ruairi Quinn, Glasgow Central MP Mohammad Sarwar and Scottish Parliamentary Business Minister Margaret Curran also attended.

There was strong representation from the opposition parties.

Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy attended with his deputy Sir Menzies Campbell, as did Scottish National Party Leader Alex Salmond

Friends from outside the world of politics who attended included Channel 4 racing pundit John McCririck and comedian Rory Bremner.