Rattray restaurant documentary wins plaudits in Norway

A documentary about the transformation of a Rattray church has been selected for a Norwegian Film Festival.

Blairgowrie film maker Patrick Rooney’s project followed work to turn the former Riverside Methodist Church into Little’s Restaurant.

It has been selected for the West Nordic International Film Festival, which takes place later this month.

Shot over 18 months, the film entitled A Little Revival, tells the story of the renovation through interviews with restauranteur Willie Little and his key staff and tradesmen.

Showcasing the building’s unique stained glass window was key to the endeavour.

Mr Rooney, who worked for Mr Little while he was a student, said: “I’m really pleased that the documentary is going to be seen in Norway at this prestigious film festival.

“Willie and I always said that we wanted to showcase the building and its beautiful and unique stained glass window, dedicated to the role of the Labour Corps in the First World War, to a wider audience, which would hopefully safeguard it for the future.

“This amazing window had lain in an abandoned church until Willie brought it all back to life and gave the building a new life, and a new use as a busy restaurant.”

Mr Rooney said his former boss continued to be an inspiration to him.

“Willie led this project – it was his enthusiasm, ambition and passion that made the whole thing happen,” he said.

“It was my pleasure to capture it all on film for him.”

“We will always keep in touch. Willie has been my inspiration for a number of projects.”