Tributes were paid today at a Memorial Mass for an inspirational Christian who was posthumously awarded the Archdiocesan Medal.

Andrew Sharkey was a well-known and much loved headteacher at St Kentigern's in Blackburn, West Lothian, when he died aged just 54 in November last year.

Archbishop Cushley with Siobhán and sons Andrew and Benjamin after Mass.

In his homily at St Margaret's Chapel at The Gillis Centre, Edinburgh, Archbishop Leo Cushley said Andrew displayed "love, faith and fidelity" throughout his life.

He told his widow Siobhán and their two boys Andrew and Benjamin: "Today, on behalf of his colleagues from across the Archdiocese, we all want to say thank you for the extraordinary man he was.

"He did so much good in the time he had with us."

Andrew had been head teacher at St Kentigern's since 2014.

Andrew's family, friend, colleagues along with pupils from St Kentigern's Academy.

As chief catechist Andrew led the school community in placing Jesus at the centre of daily life and sharing the moral teachings and the faith of the Church.

He was also awarded the Archdiocesan medal for his commitment to social justice and the common good, which manifested itself in his commitment to serving others in serving others.

This included his long-term commitment to scouting since 1998, where he championed opportunities for young people through his inspirational leadership.

In 2018, Andrew was appointed to lead Scottish Scouting as its Chief Commissioner, a role he held until 2023.

Today's Mass was attended by family, friends and colleague and was concelebrated by Fr John Deighan, Vicar Episcopal for Education.

Read more about the life of Andrew Sharkey here. The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray. It is awarded for outstanding voluntary service to the Church at a local level.