Three sets of twins are among the intake of new P1 pupils as teachers across North Ayrshire welcomed all children back to class for the new term.
Staff at Stanley Primary, Ardrossan, and Woodlands Primary, Irvine, will be seeing double after twins joined the school rolls.
At Stanley Primary School two sets of twins will walk through the gates for the first time as pupils. Brothers Charlie and Freddie McAllister, five, will be joined by Oscar and Jessica Weir, also five-years-old.
Charlie and Freddie’s mum Lucy Hands and their dad Michael McAllister are very proud, with Lucy saying: “They are both boisterous and full of life. Freddie loves ice hockey and plays every Saturday and Charlie loves playing outdoors, swimming and going to the park.
“They were in the TV show Outlander when they were little. This happened because I was tagged in Facebook post about the show needing twins. They played baby Jemmy in Season Five when they were a year old.
“They were carried about on the show, and filming was in the Outlander studio in Cumbernauld and in Callander.”
Oscar and Jessica’s mum Deborah Weir and dad Colin are delighted that they are joining big sister Hannah, seven, at the school as she starts P3.
Ahead of the big day, Deborah said: “They are great fun and have lovely natures. Jessica likes gymnastics and dance while Oscar enjoys football and athletics.
“They know what is happening and are all set with their bags and lunch boxes. They also have their uniforms and shoes ready and have met their teachers.”
Woodlands Primary newcomers Hannah and Ella Davidson, four, will be waved off with older sister Brooke, six, by mum Robyn Davidson and dad Jack.
Robyn said: “Hannah likes drawing and playing with her dolls while Ella is into painting, drawing, playing with her sisters, swimming and spending time on her scooter.
“They both love to play outside and get muddy! But they are very different – Ella has blond hair and brown eyes and Hannah has brown hair and blue eyes.”
Woodlands Primary Headteacher Rachel Reid said: “We are delighted to welcome the twins to our school along with all of the other new Primary One pupils.
“It is a big day – full of excitement – for them and I am sure it is one they will remember for a long time. It’s a proud day for their parents and families too as they wave them off on their first day.”
Lauren Smith, depute headteacher at Stanley Primary, added: “I am sure there were some emotional parents and family members at home and at the school gates this morning. (Monday, August 21)
“The first day of term in Primary One is always a busy one and I offer a warm welcome to our two sets of twins and all of the other children as they start the new school year.”
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education and young people, wished the twins and all other pupils starting the new term in North Ayrshire well.
He said: “It is great to see three sets of twins getting ready to start their education here in North Ayrshire. This is always a time of great excitement and anticipation, and the new P1 children will be excited as they make new friends and prepare to start learning for their future.”
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