Martin Compston celebrates 20 years of Sweet Sixteen - the film that changed his career forever

"Hope yer porridge isny too lumpy, Jean!" is a famous line from the Scots movie Sweet Sixteen that Martin Compston starred in 20 years ago.

The actor made his breakthrough with this film and it captures the essence of Scottish culture in the early 2000s, which led him on to star in other TV programmes including Line of Duty, Our House, The Nest and many more.

Sweet 16 was directed by the incredible Ken Loach, and sees troubled youngster Liam dreaming of starting afresh with his mother as soon as she has completed her prison term.

But of course the teen, who comes from a difficult background, faces many challenges trying to make his dreams come true by getting involved in with the wrong crowd.

Ken Loach worked on this with Paul Laverty, a writer of extraordinary brilliance and originality and also producer Rebecca O’Brien.

Ken said: "It really is a partnership of equals".

Paul Laverty, Annemarie Fulton, Martin Compston, Rebecca O'Brien arriving for the 20th anniversary screening for the film Sweet Sixteen at the Glasgow Film Festival. (Eoin Carey/PA Wire)

And now to celebrate, the film was played at the Glasgow Film Festival this week and Compston turned out on the red carpet with his old castmates.

Sharing the snaps on Instagram, he wrote that it was emotional to be reunited with his old colleagues.

He said: "Where did 20 years go!? Incredible day @glasgowfilmfest for Sweet Sixteen anniversary screening. Emotional seeing the old team and sitting down in a cinema with a full audience. Can’t thank everybody who came along enough."

And fans equally couldn't believe that it had been 20 years since the iconic film came out.

One wrote: "Absolutely tremendous film. Never had the recognition it deserves, a cult classic for scheme wains all over."

Another added: "All us fellow Greenockians (and in particular St Columbians!) are well chuffed for the success you’ve had. You’ve done us proud!"

While one said: "Amazing film . Such raw talent & what a relief you went for it . 20 years on & the world has a legend."

And another said: "Congratulations on getting a film that can stand the test of time. And thank you for an amazingly honest and gritty portrayal of young Liam."

Sweet Sixteen is available to watch on Amazon Prime.