It may only have a population of around 8,000, but one Newport-on-Tay man is determined to put the small Fife coastal town well and truly on the map.
Self-styled local historian and social anthropologist Simon Rankin has helped to create an irreverent new documentary series which aims to take viewers on a tour of the sights, sounds and smells of the town he calls home.
‘Newport-on-Tay: A Place To Be’ is first and foremost designed to boost tourism for the area, but Simon, 45, also acknowledges that his documentary series is likely to raise a few laughs as it highlights Newport tourism ‘hotspots’ including The Big Rock – a natural phenomenon that sits on the banks of the Tay – and also the town’s historic community centre.
Indeed, the first episode shows Simon exploring all that The Big Rock has to offer all set to some of the catchiest music you’ll hear this year.
“It’s just a bit of a laugh to be honest,” Simon told The Courier. “I was doing stuff on Facebook, we made a wee film about Newport-on-Tay and then 20 or 30 people liked it.
“Then within a day or so 2,000-odd people liked it, so we’re glad it’s doing well online.
“We’ve done two episodes so far and the third is likely to be out in two weeks’ time, so we hope people enjoy it.
“The reaction so far has been really positive.”
Simon, who has worked alongside friends Raz Ullah and Mark Urban on the project, didn’t want to give too much away about the forthcoming third episode, although The Courier can reveal that the woodland walk through local landmark Berry’s Den could well feature.
“Somebody came up to me and said: “I watched your video and we were laughing at it are you meant to laugh?’,” he added.
“Of course, it’s meant to be an affectionate look at Newport-on-Tay and all its sights and sounds.”