Popular Huntly teacher and Scout leader dies after a short illness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A MAN who was a popular teacher at The Gordon Schools from 1966 until 1979 has died after a short illness.
Andrew Neil was also Scout leader for many years and took youngsters on summer camp which for many was their only holiday.
He attended McLaren High School in Callander and excelled in practical subjects and maths.
After a visit to the Festival of Britain in 1952 he decided to pursue a career in aviation and secured an apprenticeship as an aircraft engineer. He continued his career as an aircraft fitter in the RAF and then Prestwick airport before moving to Dyce.
The move to Dyce proved decisive as he met Mary, “the love of his life” and they married in 1960.
He decided to train as a teacher and while studying gained college colours in both hockey and cricket.
His first teaching post was in Caithness before a move The Gordon Schools in 1966 as technical teacher.
He became a principal teacher of guidance, one of the first in Grampian Region and was responsible for Gordon House.
On leaving Huntly in 1979 he continued as an assistant head teacher at Mearns Academy, Laurencekirk until retiring in 1989.
In their retirement they travelled Europe extensively before settling in Inverbervie.
Andrew died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary following a short period of illness.
He is survived by his wife Mary, children, Michael, Adele, Eric and Lauren, seven grandchildren and a great grandson.
The funeral takes place at Friockheim Crematorium tomorrow at 1.30pm.
