A PAIR of Gourock schoolgirls took centre stage to perform at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Glasgow.
Connie Hunter was one of only a few members of the RSNO youth choir to perform in front thousands of people - including King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as the Prime Minister Andy Burnham - at the Hydro.
While friend Emily Barnes performed in some of the cast events.
The pals were part of a glittering event which included appearances from Outlander star Sam Heughen, singer KT Tunstall, comedian Greg McHugh and Olympic and World Champion Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy.
Connie's mum Lynn said: "Emily auditioned as a performer and Connie was one of 13 people selected from RSNO youth choir to sing the National Anthem for King Charles and Queen Camilla."
"So nice that two little Gourock girls who went to toddlers together are now involved in something so exciting."
The families were invited to the live dress rehearsal on Tuesday and everyone was glued to watch the stunning spectacle on TV on Thursday evening.
Connie's mum Lynn said: "It was a really good wee experience
"They were buzzing when they came in until 2am. It was a once-in-lifetime experience."
Connie, 16, a pupil at St Columba's High School, lives with a major health condition and is an accomplished cornet player and singer. She has won prizes at Inverclyde Music Festival as well as being a member of the National Youth Choir of Scotland.
The kind-hearted youngster also recently held a charity concert at her school to raise funds for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
While Emily's mum Brenda said: "It was great, Emily had a fantastic time.
"She auditioned to perform on the night and was in a couple of casts.
"I was so proud watching them both on TV."
Emily, 17, is a pupil at Clydeview Academy and is also is a member of the Theatre School of Scotland.
Emily said: "It was so good, I feel it was a great experience. I met some incredible people and made memories I will remember forever."
Brenda added: "The girls have known each other since they were born, they went to toddlers together and performed in shows with Greenock Light Opera. I think the first they did was Nativity and they were in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together."
Organisers in Glasgow stepped in at short notice after Victoria in Australia backed out due to the cost of hosting the games.
Around 3,000 competitors are expected to take part in the games across a variety of venues over the next 10 days.
