Relatives of the first priest to work in a north-east community have rallied round to support efforts to restore his family’s final resting place.
Deer Community Council tried in vain earlier this year to convince Aberdeenshire Council to release £950 to help restore the gravestone of James Robertson’s two wives.
The 200-year-old stone, which was first erected in 1831, was worn and in need of repair.
The authority, however, rejected its appeal in fear that it would “open the floodgates” for similar projects across the region.
Mr Robertson worked and lived in neighbouring Stuartfield for 30 years before moving to the US and then Canada.
His 15 children went on to live successful lives within the community.
One son, Peter, became the headmaster of a private school in Aberdeen while another descendant served as an artist for Queen Victoria.
A great-grandson, William Robertson Smith, became a leading scholar and others were prominent lawyers.
Descendants of the minister today live in Canada, Australia and Germany, and following the council’s knock-back put forward their own cash to restore the site.
They included his great-great-great-great granddaughters from Canada, Australia and Germany.
His first wife Ann Crabb was buried at the site after she died on February 5, 1805, followed by Elisabeth Murray, who passed away on May 23, 1831.
Local historian Aly Black, who has championed the restoration of the Old Deer church, said the work was carried out and completed by Inverurie firm LTM Group.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see it finally done.
“They’ve completely refurbished it and filled all the holes and cracks, it should stay fixed now for a good few years.
“It’s all part of saving the history and heritage of the area.”
Stuartfield Community Association, which requested the cash through the community council, estimated the repair bill of the stone at £1,188.
Its efforts to restore the church and its history has included thousands of hours of volunteer time.
Ongoing work includes public talks about the importance of the church in the community and “doors open days” when members of the public can tour the manse.
Councillors unanimously blocked the initiative in June.