TEACHERS at Kilmacolm Primary rolled out the red carpet as they finally welcomed the rest of their pupils back through the school gates.

Banners, bunting and balloons were all out for the P4-P7 as they were reunited for the first time since before Christmas as lockdown was lifted.

Emotional head teacher Simone McCredie said she was over the moon to see her school back together.

Excited primary four pupil Aspan Ross, eight, told the Tele: "I was so excited about coming back to school I couldn't get to sleep.

"I was a little bit nervous as well but I was so happy to see my teacher and all my friends."

Class-mate Arran Berry-Simpson added: "I am very glad to be back in class."

They were joined outside by primary five pupils Eve Pawson and Ailie MacDougall, who were both delighted to be with their friends again.

The younger pupils returned to school three weeks ago and are now joined by the rest of the school - but primary seven pupil Jack Sharp had a question for education secretary John Swinney as he arrived back.

He said: "I want to know when we can get hugs again.

"I want to be able to hug my teachers when we leave at the end of this term.

"I am looking forward to high school but I'll miss Kilmacolm Primary so much.

"It is the best school."

His classmate Sophie McIntyre added: "We have missed out on being school 'buddies' to the younger children and there are other things as well, like representing the school.

"But we are looking forward to all being together before going to high school.

"It was a bit nervous coming back in case things had changed but once we were in again it just felt the same."

Twins Vera and Freya McKeown from P6, along with friend Elsie Millar, had put their heart and soul into home learning and were rewarded with an invite to the head teacher's tea party.

Proud head teacher Simone said: "It has been a challenging time for our pupils but they have been wonderful and coped so well.

"I am proud of each and every one of them.

"We are happy to have them all back.

"On Monday we made it very calm and relaxing with some mindfulness as we wanted to settle any nerves."