Orkney Image Library

Harry Berry on banjo.

Back Row. Ian Mackay (double bass), Sandy Begg (drums), Jean Berry(Piano)

Front. Peem Williamson (acc.), ? (sax), Harry Berry (sax), Mervyn Swanson (acc.)

This is the Longhope Legion band and I would think in the 50s

Would that be Jeanny Berry, Mervyn Swanson, Harry Berry, Mr Edwards, Ian Mackay.
Don't recognise accordianist to left, drummer maybe Sandy Begg?

Jeannie Berry at the piano; Mervyn Swanson? on the accordian; Harry Berry on the 'banjo' - you can see Harry also played the sax. I recognise other faces but no names come to mind!

I have seen this photo before, I think I know some names, John, Allan, beryl might ken better. Peem Williamson on the box, Robbie Mackay double bass (Horace I guess ) ? on sax, Harry Berry banjo, ? drums, Mervyn Johnston (nee Swanson) box and Jenny Berry piano

Harry used to air his banjo in front of the YM fire before a dance, never was much heat came out so I suppose no damage was done as that banjo played many a tune!

I only ever knew the double bass player as Lowery. He came from Shetland, and I thought the drummer was Donnie Harper from Wick. I seem outnumbered on that but still have my doubts.

I would say it was Ian Mackay on the double bass. He was married to Ella Isbister and got called "Shetland" by folks that knew him.

Mr Edwards who played the sax in the Legion Band worked in the payoffice at Lyness. I spoke to his widow last summer, she spends some holiday time in Stromness.