Seeing double: 15 sets of twins to start school in one council area

Schools in an area of Scotland are preparing once again to welcome an unusually large number of twins to primary one classes next week.

Inverclyde has 15 sets of siblings beginning school next Wednesday – the second highest twin count on record.

A week before they begin causing their teachers double trouble, 13 of the pairs met up at St Mary’s Primary School in Greenock to show off their new uniforms in front of the press and proud parents.

Provost Martin Brennan, also Inverclyde Council’s vice-convener of education, said: “As a former teacher myself, the return to school is always an exciting time for pupils, parents and staff.

“But it’s taken on greater significance this year following the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic over the last 18 months.

“While many of the safety rules will remain in place in schools for the time being, it’s just great to be celebrating the return to the classroom, including here at St Mary’s Primary in Greenock which is the latest new or refurbished school completed as part of our £270 million schools estate transformation.

“I wish all the children – and of course our education staff – all the very best for the start of the new term next week.”

Last year only nine sets of twins started P1 in the area dubbed “Twinverclyde”, with the record set in 2015 with more than double that – 19 pairs.

Joe Mcallister, whose twins Jessica and Joseph will head to Aileymill Primary School for the first time on August 18, told the PA news agency he is excited for the children to start as it will “be really good for them”.

Another set of pupils starting P1 are Eloise and Charlie Douglas, who will go to Ardgowan Primary School.

They told PA they are looking forward to “meeting friends” and playing football.