‘When Sun Shines’ on Cowdenbeath

Ross Cunningham, right, featured Gordon Brown in his film

Mr Brown talks of family stories and his affinity with the Blue Brazil in the short documentary called When The Sun Shines, created by Fifer and University of Stirling student, Ross Cunningham.

The emotive film focuses on Central Park, Cowdenbeath’s stadium, and relates it to the memories and bonds that come with being a devoted football fan.

The MP is amongst several interviewees who discuss their personal ties with the stadium and how Central Park links to their past. The film also carries the theme that a football ground is viewed by many of its fans as a place of worship.

Despite being a Raith Rovers fan, Gordon says the ground has played a special part in his life as his father and grandfather were both avid fans. The MP was also there in 2006 to present the club with their first trophy in 67 years when they won the Third Division.

Gordon said: “I was very pleased to be able to take part in Ross’s film. I think it’s very much to Ross’s credit that he chose this topic for his film and I would like to wish him much success in the future.

“Cowdenbeath Football Club has a long and proud tradition in the town and in the hearts of its fans, amongst whom were my father and grandfather. I have been MP for Cowdenbeath since 1983 and it was an especially proud moment for me in 2006 to be able to present the Club with the trophy for becoming Third Division Champions.”

The making of the film was an emotional experience for Ross as another of the interviewees, his 84-year-old grandfather Ross Birrell, describes how the stadium links him to the memory of his son who died 11 years ago.

Ross’s uncle Ashley, also a devoted Blue Brazil fan, had his ashes scattered on the park and the filming was the first time his grandad had returned to the stadium. The first viewing of the documentary moved his grandparents to tears.

Ross said: “They were sad to relive my uncle’s death but also happy that their son will be forever immortalised in a film about the football club that he loved. At the end of the film it is my uncle’s scarf that is blowing in the wind. I tied it to a part of the terracing at the spot where he used to stand when watching Cowdenbeath play.”

Watch Ross’s film here: