TUSHKAR/TUSHKER, DA. Shetland, Reel. A Major. Standard. AABB'. Composed by Ronny/Ronnie Cooper (d. 1982) of Lerwick, an accomplished self-taught Shetland accordion player and piano accompanist. A tushkar is the name of a tool in Shetland for the cutting of peat, and Cooper got the inspiration for the melody at his local smithy, watching the forging of the instrument by the owners of the establishment, the famous Shetland fiddlers Willie Hunter Senior and Junior. The tune has become popular throughout Britain and especially among Scottish dance bands. Anderson & Georgeson (Da Mirrie Dancers), 1970; pg. 35. Hunter (Fiddle Music of Scotland), 1988; No. 231.