Graham Cooper was born and brought up in the North East of Scotland and attended the University of Aberdeen before embarking on a surgical career. Although most of his work was done in Scotland, he has spent time in Northern Ireland, England and Nepal. He has contributed to medical literature on a wide range of subjects. After retiring from medical work, he studied Gaelic both at local night classes and independently. Between 2012 and 2016 hw enrolled for distance learning at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. He now lives in rural Aberdeenshire with his wife. He has two daughters, one of whom is settled nearby with her husband and our granddaughter. As recreation, he participates in local Gaelic classes and events and enjoys reading and playing musical instruments.