Football history in Balintore set to feature in short film funded by Scottish Football Museum
The “incredible” history of football in Balintore is set to feature as the subject of a new short film.
With funding from the Scottish Football Museum, appeals are now being made for photographs and memories to be shared with organisers to help put the new production together.
The centre plans to hold an open evening to “kick things off” on Friday from 6.30pm, inviting people to bring along their Balintore football memorabilia to share it with those running the project.
The Seaboard’s rich association with football dates as far back as the 1930s, when the Seaboard Swifts and later the Seaside Rovers, would compete in the Ross-shire Junior and Welfare leagues.
As well as many years competing as welfare club, from the 1980s to 2010s, the village were represented by Balintore FC in the North Caledonian League, where they enjoyed success as champions in 1989–90, 1990–91 and 2005–06.
The Seaboard Memorial Hall were named as one of 11 causes across Scotland to receive local heritage grants of up to £1,500.
The funding awards have been made available to help communities in Scotland celebrate their local football heritage, engaging new and different audiences with football history.
The Seaboard Centre were awarded funding from the Scottish Football Museum to create a short film documenting the football heritage of the Seaboard, from the Seaboard Swifts in 1932 through to the Balintore FC’s rich history, ending with their 2011-12 season.
The group hope to have the film ready in time for its premiere at the village’s popular Fisherfolk Festival in May.
Councillor Maureen Ross, who applied for the funding, said: “With the assistance of Lynda Durrand and Jim Oliver we will host Friday night and pull together a schedule and programme of works to see this project through to the filming stage.
“We will be gathering memories, stories, photographs and memorabilia to help us capture this legacy. Whether you were a player, referee, volunteer, or supporter, we’d love for you to hare your experiences and photos.
“Join us for an open evening to ‘kick off’ this project on Friday, January 17 at 6.30pm at the Seaboard Centre.
“Bring along any memorabilia – we’ll scan and return it. Refreshments will be served and we look forward to reminiscing with you!
“We hope to have it ready to show at the Fisherfolk Festival, which is to be held on May 9 – May 11.
“Please spread the word and help us preserve this incredible history.”
