Date set for music legend's funeral

Jimmy Shand with his fellow band members

The funeral of Sir Jimmy Shand, one of Scotland's most famous accordion players, will take place on Friday.

The service will be held at 1200 GMT at Auchtermuchty Parish Church in the Fife town where he spent much of his life.

Sir Jimmy, who was knighted in a ceremony in Edinburgh last year, died last Friday at the age of 92 after a long illness.

Sir Jimmy's career spanned 70 years

He is survived by his wife Anne, 90, and sons David and Jimmy.

Sir Jimmy, whose career spanned seven decades, was described as "a giant of the musical world" in a tribute from First Minister Henry McLeish.

He sold millions of records and played in some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Carnegie Hall in New York.

Jimmy Shand first made a recording of his brand of Scottish dance music in 1933.

For the 25-year-old, it was the first step in a distinguished recording career.

Outstanding figure

His big commercial break came 10 years later, when he signed for EMI.

It was this move which led to him becoming the outstanding figure of Scottish accordion music, recognised not just in Scotland, but everywhere the music was played abroad.

The final official recognition came in July 1999, when he was knighted by the Prince of Wales during a ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.