The Orkney Image Library
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John Drever of Brough, Westray, patting his mare 'Nancy' - circa 1971.
Affectionately known far and wide as 'Jock o' Brough', he was renowned for his skills in helping sick animals and assisting at difficult calvings.
In his hey-day he had around 30 working horses on Brough.
In the background is the house of Brough and stacks in the stackyard.
Picture added on 04 September 2007
This was a picture taken of my grandad about 6 years before he died. My sister and I used to spend our summer holidays at Brough and we look back on it and him with great affection. They were probably the best days of our lives. Westray is a beautiful island.
Added by Liz Henderson (kent) on 23 October 2007
My Grandma was Runa Drever (Married name Flett) and was from Westray. She died when I was very young, probably about 1967/68. I know very little about my family history on the Drever side. Was wondering whether there is any connection here.
Added by Stuart Flett on 27 October 2007
Does anyone know who John Drever's parents were?
Added by Sandy Drever on 29 October 2009
Never knew the man other than by reputation. A story I was told by a north isles man went something like "Am sorry yir lost yir horse John" The reply was "bue yae need things like that tae keep yea humble". So true, wae wid git guy cockie if hid wisna for the setbacks!!.
Added by John Budge on 29 October 2010
hOW TRUE jOHN
Added by Liz Firth on 30 October 2010
I've seen a pic like that fae my grandad
Added by S Drever on 27 November 2010
I know it's many years since this was posted but to reply to who Dad's ( Jock o Brough) parents were.
His father was John Drever(snr) and his mother was Margaret Mainland from Carness outside Kirkwall. His sister's were Maggie o Berridale and Barbara Kirkness of Fribo.
His father was John Drever(snr) and his mother was Margaret Mainland from Carness outside Kirkwall. His sister's were Maggie o Berridale and Barbara Kirkness of Fribo.
Added by Margaret Sinclair on 15 April 2019
John Drever was married to my Great Aunt Mary (nee Hewion. They had a housekeeper Kitty and they all lived up at Brough. We visited in 1972 and I rode that white horse (bareback on a dare).
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Added by Jennifer Thomlinson on 03 March 2020
Westray
