Andrew Richardson Blythe's gravestone renovated in Yetholm after damage

Andrew came from very impoverished circumstances and at the age of four he had an arm amputated after a shooting accident.

Despite the difficult circumstances of his childhood, he became a teacher at Windyhaugh School in the Coquet Valley, Northumberland, for almost 50 years.

Much loved by the community there and in his home village, he left all his money to Yetholm when he died.

His most notable benefactions were the William Wilson stained-glass windows in the kirk, some of the finest 20th century windows in the Borders, as well as the clock chimes that still ring out over the village.

Andrew Richardson Blythe with his last class of pupils at Windyhaugh School on the event of his retirement back to Yetholm in August 1919.

Unfortunately his gravestone, which was perhaps the one indulgence he allowed himself was recently pushed over.

Jayne Gray organized a GoFundMe Campaign to repair the stone, which had broken into several pieces.

It raised £560 and the work, which included cleaning the stone, was completed by Thomas Brown and Sons of Melrose

Jayne Grey said: “It seemed so wrong that a much-liked man who gave so much to the community should be dishonoured. I am very grateful to all friends and family members who have contributed to this campaign to restore his gravestone.”

A group of family members and well-wishers gathered on Tuesday April 26 to ‘unveil’ the magnificently restored stone.

The Rev. Colin Johnstone, minister of Cheviot churches said: “It is heart-warming to see people from all over southern Scotland and the north of England gathered here today to pay your respects to Andrew. The stone has been so well restored that hopefully it will stand for at least another two hundred years.”