A VIDEO of a North Ayrshire pupil hugging her grandparents for the first time in 14 months has become an online smash hit.

The magical moment Nicole McMail, 17, and her grandparents Alex and Morag Blair could finally embrace has been watched by over 130,000 people from all over the world on social media site TikTok.

The 80-year-olds were captured hugging Nicole and sister Caitlin, 21, - and the moving footage captured the hearts of people across the globe.

Alex said: "It was very emotional. We have waited 14 months to hug the girls, it was wonderful.

"We have been shielding, so have had to be very careful.

Tik Tok

Tik Tok

"I couldn't even go shopping as I was frightened I would bring the virus back."

Alex, a retired painter and decorator, said he was amazed at how the video had gone viral.

He told our sister paper the Largs and Millport Weekly News: "I have never even heard of TikTok, so this was all new to me. I only occasionally go on Facebook to look at family pictures, but that is about it.

"I don't understand any of it but Nicole has told me the numbers are incredible. We are surprised but excited at the same time.

Tik Tok

Tik Tok

"The cuddle at the door and all the tears - it makes you appreciate every hug. It is like the old expression, 'you don't miss the water until the well runs dry'.

"It was magical and a very poignant moment."

Nicole's dad Chris, who is group managing director for IT firm Microtech, told the News that he is stunned by the impact the video has had on the online platform.

He said: "It was really uplifting to watch and I think that has resonated with people, but the number of views is astonishing."

Largs Academy pupil Nicola is joined by big sister Caitlin, who is studying business at Strathclyde University, in the clip.

Tik Tok

Tik Tok

"Nicole loves her dancing and her sports - and it was just magical to see the video become an online sensation."

Mum Anne said: "I took the video and Nicole put it on TikTok and it has just snowballed. All her pals liked it and then it just totally took off.

"It has been unbelievable.

"It has received hundreds of comments from people around the world, with some saying it has reduced them to tears."

Nicole, of Arran View in West Kilbride, is also a member of the new Largs School of Dance.

Anne said: "She loves dancing and took her PE Higher in it at Largs Academy - hopefully it is not too long until she can return to the dancefloor."