Teacher, aviation enthusiast and Scouting leader

Andrew Neil, a former teacher and Scout leader in Huntly who became assistant head at Mearns Academy, Laurencekirk, has died aged 88.

Earlier in his career, Andrew was an aircraft engineer in the RAF and at Prestwick Airport.

He was born in the small Perthshire village of Strathyre where his parents owned a country hotel.

Andrew was educated at Mclaren High School in Callander where he excelled in practical subjects and mathematics.

A keen cyclist and youth hosteller, he would take long-distance trips throughout Scotland and northern England.

In 1952 he cycled to London to visit the Festival of Britain. While he was in the capital, Andrew made the decision to pursue a career in aviation.

He secured an apprenticeship with aerospace manufacturer Handley Page in Hertfordshire.

Once he had served his time, Andrew continued as an aircraft fitter in the RAF and then at Prestwick.

He later moved to Dyce where he serviced aircraft for Aberdeen University Air Squadron.

In Andrew’s time at Dyce he met Mary and they married in 1960.

Once married, Andrew chose to enter teaching and during his college studies gained colours in hockey and cricket.

His first teaching post was at Halkirk in Caithness before he moved to The Gordon Schools in Huntly as a technical teacher.

He later became principal teacher of guidance there and was one of the first to hold such a position under the former Grampian Regional Council.

As guidance teacher, he served as head teacher of Gordon House until 1979.

For many years Andrew served as leader of 1st Huntly Scouts, leading them to summer camps in places such as Perthshire, Loch Ericht and even London, camps which were the main summer holiday for many Huntly lads.

In 1979 he moved to Mearns Academy where his extra-curricular work with young people continued until he retired in 1989.

He and Mary travelled Europe extensively before finally settling down in Inverbervie.

Andrew died on February 7 in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary following a short period of illness.

He leaves behind his beloved Mary, children Michael, Adele, Eric and Lauren, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson.

GUIDANCE: Andrew Neil helped to shape young lives.