Cardinal Keith O'Brien led the service

Another 300 worshippers watched the special service on large television screens in the cold outside.

The congregation sang praises and celebrated the life of the pontiff.

Among those who attended the service led by Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, were political and civic leaders.

First Minister Jack McConnell, Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Darling, Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond, deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie, all attended the mass.

Cardinal O'Brien, leader of Scotland's estimated 750,000 Catholics, gave thanks for the life of the Pope, who died on Saturday at the age of 84.

'A great man'

He said: "John Paul II has died but he has left a wonderful legacy.

"I think something of that legacy is shown here this evening by the tremendous representation of peoples from all over Scotland gathering together."

First Minister Jack McConnell was applauded when he said in his address that the Pope had touched both Catholics and non-Catholics alike in Scotland in life and in death.

His passing leaves a huge gap on the world stage Jack McConnell First minister

Addressing the crowds towards the end of the service, Mr McConnell recounted the Pope's visit to Scotland in 1982 and said he had been a man who had "won the respect and affection" of many people.

He added: "Across Scotland, the deep sadness felt throughout the Roman Catholic community is shared by others within the Christian faith, by those of other faiths, and indeed by those of no faith at all.

"Pope John Paul II had won the respect and affection of even those who did not agree with all he believed.

"He was a humble and compassionate man, he led the Church with a consistency of purpose, but also with humanity and understanding.

"His courage and devotion to duty, in the face of his growing infirmity was inspirational to many.

"His passing leaves a huge gap on the world stage."