Son 'proud and surprised' dad's 1957 home movie about Broughty Ferry captivates audiences decades on

The star of an award-winning home movie about Broughty Ferry in the 1950s says he’s surprised it still resonates with people.

Rob Dunnachie was the subject of the film Robin’s Saturday which followed him as he cycled to his favourite places in the seaside town in 1958.

It was filmed by his amateur film-maker father, Dr Ian Dunnachie, and won several awards, including Best Family Film at the Scottish Amateur Film Festival of 1958.

Nearly 70 years on, Rob said he was surprised it still has such an impact.

A young Robin sets off on his bicycle STV News

He told STV News: “They were well made for the time, and my dad won several awards, but looking back now, we never would have thought they would still be shown.

“I think you can see from the film, the beach was packed and the Castle Green was packed. I think Dundonians came down in busloads!

“I remember trying whelks, which you see those black things being poured into bags there. I didn’t really like them to be honest, but they were really popular at the time.”

Rob and his sister donated his father’s film to the National Library of Scotland.

It’s currently on display at Broughty Ferry Castle, which sparked an appeal to find the little boy on the bike.

Anna Day from Leisure and Culture Dundee says the film’s been popular with the public.

Robin looks out from the pier Rob Dunnachie

“It’s really lovely to meet Robin and connect back to the film,” she said.

“The film’s been a real hit. We’ve had people in just to come and see it and it’s sparked many conversations about Broughty Ferry, how it’s changed and how it’s not changed.”

Rob agrees Broughty Ferry hasn’t changed much since his childhood.

“Maybe the shops are a bit more chic or boutique and there’s more cafes, but the buildings are basically the same.

“The lifeboat station is still there and the castles still here.

“I remember years ago when I was a teenager being a bit embarrassed about the film when dad brought it out to play, but now I have pride in all the work he did.”