Tayside diner on road to more film success

ATayside diner forced to close under coronavirus restrictions has been transformed into a movie set for the second time this year.

The Horn, which sits on the dual carriageway between Perth and Dundee, was written into the script for the film, called A90, due to its specific roadside location.

Establishment owner Kenny Farquharson welcomed film crews to his popular diner for the second time in as many months with the restaurant also starring in crime drama Pram Snatcher, which was shot last month.

Kenny said he was happy to see his business take on a new lease of life in the film industry while the diner is closed due to Covid-19.

He joked: “I think I might just concentrate on the film business rather than the bacon business.

“We are delighted to be able to support these Scottish film-makers, especially during these frustrating days of lockdown when the restaurant is unable to trade.

“It’s another great opportunity to put this area on the map as a location for such events.”

Kenny was delighted to learn that the film had been written around The Horn and its prominent place on the A90.

“You often hear of screenwriters composing a script with a particular actor in mind, even before casting,” he said.

“So it was great to learn that on this occasion, the iconic location had been selected prior to the film being written – perhaps the title was a subtle clue.”

The Screen Scotlandbacked A90 is the vision of writer and director Olivia J Middleton.

The short was filmed over four days and nights at The Horn.

The film follows the story of a discontented waitress who develops an intimate relationship with an unavailable woman in a “netherworldy roadside café”.

While Kenny is looking forward to the premiere and seeing his business up on the big screen, his three children, Ollie, Holly and Gabriella, were also excited to appear as extras in the movie.

The trio are becoming regulars in the film world after also securing cameo appearances in Pram Snatcher, which was shot in January.

Kenny is also getting a taste for the limelight, with The Horn previously starring on the One Show and the Food Programme for BBC Radio 4.

Picture by Steve Macdougall. Scenes for the film Pram Snatcher were also shot at The Horn on the A90 recently.

MOVIE BUSINESS: Members of the film crew on set shooting through the windows of The Horn restaurant. Picture by Mhairi Edwards.