Jim MacLeod's final journey in a horse-drawn carriage

The massive turnout at Greenock Crematorium - where there was standing room only - was testament to the popularity of the former SNP councillor.

Jim made his final journey in style carried in a white carriage driven by two white horses draped in Saltires.

Close friend Stuart McMillan MSP piped the cortege into the crematorium while mourners donned tartan ties, scarves and rosettes by request - reflecting Jim’s well-known love for Scotland and his desire for independence.

Jim touched many people's lives in the world of politics and his tireless campaigning for disabled people's rights and this was reflected in the many people who turned out to pay their respects.

The funeral was conducted by Reverend Archie Speirs, who knew Jim from his time at St Martin’s Church in Port Glasgow and his cousin Reverend Stuart Stevenson, formerly of Hamilton Bardrainney Church.

Reverend Speirs noted that in Jim's tribute in the Greenock Telegraph, he was called 'one of the good guys' adding: "I would go further to say Jim was one of the best."

The service began with John Lennon's Imagine and Reverend Speirs said that a world with no conflict, and people valued, was the world Jim imagined and worked towards.

Reverend Speirs, who had known Jim and his devoted wife Sylvia for many years, said: "Many times you will have heard it said that somebody knew half of Port Glasgow and the other half knew them.

"With Jim he knew everybody in Port Glasgow and the whole of Port Glasgow knew Jim.

"Sylvia couldn’t go anywhere without someone spotting Jim, they could be on a cruise somewhere and sure enough someone from the Port would come and speak to Jim.

"You could not meet someone more congenial than Jim and if you made friends with Jim you had a friend for life.

"Jim and Sylvia were a match made in heaven. They were there for each other no matter what joys or difficulties they faced in life."

Reverend Speirs recalled how the pair met and after a few dates soon became inseparable and partners for life, together for 27 years and married for almost 20 of those years.

He said: "To cut a long story short Sylvia never left Jim’s side from that time and they were married in 2003.

"I think Sylvia would say this herself - it was a labour of love being there for Jim supporting him in his public service to the people of Port Glasgow, Inverclyde and Scotland.

"Jim was first elected as an Inverclyde councillor in 2007 and as he is described as the ‘Go-to man in the community'.

"I found Jim lived up to that reputation but also his compassion for those who found themselves in less fortunate circumstances than himself."

The minister said Jim's strength to overcome adversity came from his loving parents Jimmy and Cathy who helped him to rise above his disability caused by the accident when he was eight and campaign to make life better for others, especially disabled people.

Rev Spiers said: "Jim had courage and determination and if not for his disability I am sure he would have gone on to climb Mount Everest or sail the oceans single handedly.

"Jim led a full life; he took joy most of all in sharing it with Sylvia.

"Jim as we all know was Scottish through and through and it goes without saying that he had a commitment to Scottish independence.

"Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon also paid tribute to Jim. I will quote from The Greenock Telegraph, ‘I knew Jim for many years. He was an outstanding councillor, a champion for the community and a passionate campaigner for Scottish Independence. Above all he was courageous and optimistic about life and a thoroughly decent man. I was proud to call him a friend'.

"I think we would all echo that sentiment. We were proud to call Jim a friend."

In a fitting tribute Flower of Scotland was played during the committal with people singing along.

Rev Speirs said he hoped that God would grant him a piece of Scotland in Paradise.

The service ended with Frank Sinatra's My Way.

Jim did it his way and Inverclyde was a better place for it.