A REMARKABLE 15 sets of twins start school in Inverclyde tomorrow.

It’s the eighth year in a row the number has reached double figures.

The number is not quite as high as last year’s record-breaking 19, but still enough to keep teachers on their toes.

Councillor Terry Loughran, convener of education and communities, said: “This year’s intake is still an astonishingly high number with 30 of our young people being twins.

“We are delighted to welcome all of our young people to school this week whether they are returning or, like our 15 sets of twins, starting primary for the first time.

“It’s an exciting time as we see young people starting out in primary schools.

“Parents can be assured that with some huge investment in our school buildings over recent years and a strong commitment from school staff and teachers, young people in Inverclyde are getting the best start in their school life.

“We have some of the best teachers working in some of the best schools in the country and thanks to the support of parents and the wider school communities we maintain high standards of learning across the board.”

The twins gathered in Clyde Square yesterday for pictures with their counterparts from across the district.

The pupils were also given books and stationery to help with their first day after enjoying a special Bookbug session at Central Library.

Vicky Smith, mum of new Inverkip Primary pair Skye and Brooke, four, said:

“They’re so excited about it, they can’t wait.”

Greenock mum Clair Egan, who lives in the west end, is looking forward to seeing five-year-old daughters Jessica and Lauren start at Ardgowan Primary.

She said: “It’s great seeing all the twins together and all the combinations of boys and girls.

“My two are nervous about starting school but they are more than ready for it.”
Port mum Jennifer Glover, whose children Max and Nyah will start at St Michael’s tomorrow, said: “They are very excited.

“I’m surprised we are here already - time flies.

“It’s a new chapter in their lives for new memories to be created.”

Also welcoming the new starts was former school teacher and vice-convener of education, Councillor Martin Brennan.

He said: “It’s a very happy occasion - and the children did not seem to mind being out in their uniforms two days early!”


Inverclyde’s ‘class of 2016’ twins are:
Front row:
Craig and Stuart Arthur, five, - All Saints and St Andrew’s.
Caragh and Sophie Doig, five - King’s Oak.
Jude and Luca Donnachie, five - All Saints.
Jessica and Lauren Egan, five - Ardgowan Primary.
Max and Nyah Glover, five - St Michael’s.

Middle row:
Charlotte and Morgan Goyal, five - Inverkip Primary.
Orlagh and Niamh Keen, four - St Michael’s.
Charlie and Olivia Lyne, five - Wemyss Bay Primary.
Cameron and Caitlin Mackenzie, four - Newark Primary.
Olivia and Rhogen McCurry, five - Newark Primary.

Back row:
Emma and Grace McEleny, four - Ardgowan Primary.
Fraser and Nathan McGrath, five - Moorfoot Primary.
Jackson Taylor and Laila Elizabeth Reid, five - Gourock Primary.
Brooke and Skye Smith, four - Inverkip Primary.
Andrew and Thomas Stewart, four - St Joseph’s.