Restored

No-one could ever have imagined what was about to happen, with a global pandemic and lockdowns. As a result the stone had to remain in storage, but it always remained in the minds of ADHS. As lockdown prohibited anything being done, a crowd funder was set up to raise the much-needed money for the restoration and we received almost £900.

ADHS also lost their joint chairmen in Roy Scott and Richard Strathie both these men were founder members of the group and played a huge part in this project. This is what has spurred the other members to carry on and see this project complete.

So eventually, early in 2022 and 4 years after the stone was removed, the task to return it home began. Local lad Michael Sneddon (of Eckles Groundworks) stepped in and agreed to help do the work required to bring the stone back. There were a few hurdles along the way with the first being how the stone came down from its temporary home and how it would be transported back to Ancrum. Mr David McTaggart of Hallrule farm very kindly brought his teleporter along - although he was a little anxious about this lift once he realised the significance of what was under the tarpaulin! The stone was brought down and carefully placed on Michael’s truck, where it was secured and brought back to his yard.

There were a few details which needed sorting out with SBC, these were dealt with and then it was down to Michael to carry out the work. This has now been completed and the stone is looking incredible.