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Dounreay worker was talented singer





Music was a compelling interest in Hugh’s life.
Music was a compelling interest in Hugh’s life.

HUGH Cochrane died on 17th October aged 83. Born in Crieff, he attended Morrison’s Academy before going on to St Andrews University with the intention of studying for the ministry, but after a year he gave up and undertook National Service.

He then sought to enter the police but was discovered to have contracted tuberculosis. This resulted in a two year confinement in a Perth sanatorium.

Restored to health, he joined the Perth-based electrical contractor, Scotts, and was sent to Boston Camp at Dounreay in 1958 to work for them in the early construction of the nuclear plant. He transferred to the UKAEA in 1960, finally serving in the Thurso superannuation office until his early retirement in 1989. Indifferent health marred his final years and he was largely confined to his house.

Hugh married his wife Margaret in 1958 and had two sons: Tony involved in various aspects of the theatre (currently appearing in the play Warhorse in New York), and Michael, a senior air traffic controller. He started married life at the cottage near the 10th hole on Reay golf course so it was not surprising that he was drawn to the game.

It was his custom when playing a round to rest on a seat after nine holes and refresh himself with a dram from his hip flask. His early golfing partner was Ken Montgomery, a Dounreay colleague, conductor of the now defunct Thurso Choral Society, a friendship generated by their love of singing.

Music was the most compelling interest in Hugh’s life and many thought, with his fine bass/baritone voice and good looks, he should have trained and pursued a career in the operatic world. He nonetheless made the most of his voice in Caithness with the local choral society, the Sinclair Singers, and participation in the annual Caithness music festivals, partnering Edward MacDonald, a more recent conductor of the choral society, in duets.

The order of service for his funeral included Faure’s "Pie Jesu" which Hugh had said many years ago he would like played. It was beautifully sung by his eldest grand-daughter Sarah, aged 13 years, a chorister at Winchester Cathedral.

Watching Scottish Opera`s recent producrion of Verdi’s "La Traviata" shortly after Hugh’s funeral, I could see him playing Alfred’s father, Germont. But an intriguing thought – could he have managed one of the best roles in opera, the most demanding part of the servant to the Baron in Mozart’s "Marriage of Figaro?" I like to think he could.

The abiding memory of Hugh is: "...that melting voice through mazes running, Untwisting all the chains that tie, The hidden soul of harmony."


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