The Orkney Image Library
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Dougie Cooper. Not only was Dougie a fine musician and brewer of excellent ale, he was also a good photographer. Many of his photos can be seen on these pages under the contributor: Orkney Archives and Karl Cooper.
[Indeed- Dougie's slides were passed onto Karl by his auntie (Dougie's sister) and subsequently digitised by the Archive, so thanks to all for letting us use these pictures.- Steven]
Picture added on 21 June 2008
I knocked on his door and to see if he would give me guitar lessons. What 3 chords do you know he asked. He took me in, and thanks to him I now know a lot more. He saved his good ale for his friends. He had a separate recipe for hangers-on looking for drink. When he played at the Lynnfield with Tommy Gray he used to take a couple of bottles with him rather than spend his fee at the bar. I was chuffed when I got to sit in with them - Dougie, on drums or hawaiian guitar, would shout chords to me if I got lost.
Added by Fraser Murray on 04 May 2009
I too enjoyed Dougie's tuition and ale (the good stuff). On one occasion when I was playing with him I lost the plot and shouted to him, "What next?" "Never mind the chords, " he shouted back, "Keep the bloody rhythm going."
Added by Sandy Windwick on 05 May 2009
I mind Dougie well. He was a jester and I mind him telling me he gave the other brew to folk he didn't like much as it gave them `the runs'. He gave me a few 45 records of Hawaiian music which I never gave air play too - sorry Dougie
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Added by Joyce Gray on 15 May 2025
Kirkwall
