A COUNCILLOR has described this year's new school intake as "unique" after four sets of twins started at the same primary today (Wednesday).
Councillor Christina Cannon was speaking after Scotstoun Primary School welcomed the four pairs of siblings who kicked off their education in primary one, as schools across the west returned after the summer break.
The eight Scotstoun twins are part of more than 40 sets starting school across Glasgow in what city chiefs believe is the biggest influx of twins in the area's history.
And Cllr Cannon - who is also Glasgow's convener for education and early years - admitted she hopes all kids have a positive school year ahead.
She told the Clydebank Post: “I know that many parents and carers across the city will be feeling mixed emotions today – both excited and anxious.
“Starting school is always an emotional time for all involved but it marks the start of our children embarking on the next step of their learning journey.
“Parents and carers can rest assured knowing their little ones are in very safe hands.
“Our school staff in Glasgow are dedicated professionals who cultivate an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where children are at the very heart of everything we do and where your child will flourish.
“This year is very unique. Not only do we have over 40 sets of twins starting P1 across the city – and that’s only the ones we know about – but we also have four sets of twins starting P1 at the same school - Scotstoun Primary.
“Good luck to all of our children and young people on their first day back today and let’s make this another successful year of learning and teaching in Glasgow.”
At Scotstoun, siblings Emilia and Samuel Allan, Poppy and Lila Beal, Zaeed and Zaeedat Obadina and identical twins, Georgi and Charli Youngman all started school life on Wednesday alongside 62 eager-eyed youngsters.
And headteacher Emma McGill described her joy at seeing all the new faces and explained the four twin pairings will be split between three primary one classes.
"It is the first time we have had this many sets of twins in the school and we are delighted to welcome them and their families to Scotstoun.
"I personally am really looking forward to having them as part of the school.
"I suppose the uniqueness of today adds excitement to all of us, everyone has a bit of a buzz about them."
Before adding: "Coming back is always exciting, it's great to see everyone back.
"Everyone moving into their new classes and new staff.
"It's an exciting time of year."
Across Glasgow, 5,719 pupils started primary one and 5,620 began S1 at secondary school.
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