ENGLISH | DORIC
The following films were shot by and feature members of the Benzie family who were well known in Fraserburgh as co-owners of the department store Benzie & Miller. The store first opened its doors in 1920 and the Mid Street location became the one of the most prominent department stores in the North East of Scotland. Original owners William Benzie and James Miller died in 1931 and 1934 respectively, which led to their sons, Alexander Benzie and John B. Miller, taking over the roles in the business once held by their fathers.
Alexander Benzie and his family are featured throughout these incredible films which give a unique glimpse of the Broch as it was during the 1930s. The films and materials were very kindly donated by the grandson of Alexander Benzie, Gavin Holman, who has compiled invaluable and extensive research about his family, their business and the influence they held as business owners in Fraserburgh.
“Sadly these films only came to light after the death of my grandparents (Alexander and Gertrude Benzie) and, having viewed them once on an old film projector, they were again consigned to the attic. Some years later I unearthed them and had them converted to DVD, to share with our family members. As my mother and uncle were small children at the time of the films, they could not help much with any details of times/people/places in particular. However, I hope that people find them of interest. ”
Alexander Benzie. Image courtesy of Gavin Holman.