Much of the film was shot in the Perth area in 1994 and James had many stories published in the Tele regarding the film and its stars during their time in the Fair City.
He was also at the filming of some scenes and got on so well with members of the production company that they asked him to organise various bits and pieces for them in Perth, including a football match, as James recalls.
“I was approached and asked if I could book a decent football pitch with nearby social facilities for a match they wished to play featuring actors and crew,” said James.
“At that time, Jeanfield Swifts played at Simpson Park, just off the Crieff Road with their social club right beside the pitch.
“It seemed the ideal location and, indeed, that proved to be the case.
“Swifts were delighted to host the game and put on a very good spread after it.
“I can’t quite recall which actors played in the game, but know LIAM NEESON, who took the role of Rob Roy, didn’t.
“However, he was an interested spectator and is probably the most famous person to set foot in the ground.”
SPOTTED GREAT UNCLE
MURRAY JOHNSTON (mj.pj@btinternet.com) came across a relative in a recent edition.
“It was actually my grandfather who spotted his great uncle in the recent photo of the Dundee Violet team of 1937 (BwB, Feb. 19),” said Murray.
“He is in the back row, his name was Beaton and he was a committee member.
“Can BwB tell me anything about what he did, how long he was involved with Violet, did he play, etc.?
“Also, do you know of a Dundee referee LESLIE BELL? He is my grandfather’s brother.”
I’ll let BwB readers come in with any info on Violet, but Les Bell was a well-known Dundee-based referee for many years around the 1970s and 80s at least.
I believe his brother was LINDSAY BELL, who was match secretary of the Dundee Sunday Welfare AFA for many years before moving to the Midlands AFA in a similar capacity.
WHEN BOBBY COX FELL FLAT ON HIS FACE
Like many readers, GRAHAM DYER admired Dundee FC’s championship-winning captain BOBBY COX (pictured at foot of column) — and he relates an amusing tale about the much-loved player.
“Your readers might be interested in an amusing incident that happened prior to a game at Dens Park,” he said.
“I am sure that even Bobby had a laugh to himself.
“Apart from his obvious skills, all Dark Blue fans will remember Bobby as always being proud as punch to skipper the team.
“His poise on leading out the team was always the same — very upright, shoulders back, chest pushed out.
“On one particular occasion, however, things did not go exactly to plan.
“Out came the team, running down the ramp from the dressing-room and across the running track.
“Bobby, though, caught his foot on the edge of the grass and sprawled full-length face down on the turf!
“I wonder if anyone else remembers this incident? It didn’t seem to bother Bobby as he just got up with a smile on his face.”
Bobby’s daughter LORRAINE and family were very moved by the sincerity shown to her father after his passing.
“I am writing to compliment you for producing a column which combines being informative with being entertaining,” said Lorraine.
“Dad read it religiously.
“Your column on the day of Dad’s funeral was very touching and much appreciated by the family.
“We also extend sincere thanks to everyone who made such a sad day more bearable for us as a family. The pride we felt that day was immeasurable.
“Thanks to Jocky Scott for his reading and the team’s touching guard of honour.
“Also to former manager Jim Duffy, for his apt eulogy, Dave Forbes and Jim Mackay for enduring friendship, and Jim Thomson, Laura and all DFC backroom staff who worked tirelessly to co-ordinate the day.
“Dad played for the pride of wearing the Dark Blue jersey and the way ordinary supporters honoured him with their minute’s appreciation at Dens — and by applauding the cortege — would have meant so much to him.
“They should all be proud of the honourable and dignified way they marked Dad’s passing.”
BWB IS SET YET ANOTHER TASK
This time it has come from Broughty Ferry’s JAMES ELDER, who came across this photo (below) of his late dad, JAMES F. ELDER, who is pictured at the far right of the second row.
James knows it is a Broughty Ferry outfit, but would like to know the exact name of the team, with any other additional information such as year, trophy and names most welcome.
