INVERCLYDE schools have added to their tally of twins as the latest batch of matching new starts walk through the gates for the first time.

Sixteen sets of siblings were eligible to start this term but the parents of seven pairs have decided to defer until next year.

Newark Primary will welcome three of the remaining nine sets, eight of whom gathered at the Port primary yesterday for a special celebratory photocall.

The district is fast becoming Twinverclyde, with a large number starting school in recent years.

The incidence of multiple births in 2015 - the year the majority of this year’s new starts were born - stood at 2.25 per cent locally, compared to the Scottish average of 1.15 per cent.

Provost Martin Brennan said: “I am constantly surprised at the high number of twins we have heading for primary school every year.

"It often runs into double-figures.

"This year would have followed that trend apart from a number of parents deciding to defer their children’s school start until 2021.

“As a former teacher, I am particularly pleased to be able to welcome them as they prepare to join their new classmates in their new schools.

"And ‘new’ is very much the operative word - every school in Inverclyde has been, or is being, totally rebuilt or refurbished as part of the council’s impressive £270 million investment in its school buildings."

Of the 2019/20 intake, Alice and Penny Beer are starting at St Patrick's Primary while Connor and John Branchfield, Aria and Isla McLaughlin and Kay and Lia Ptolomey are all off to Newark.

Ben and Josh Cairns are going to St Francis', Eva and Iona Metcalfe will attend the Gaelic Unit at Whinhill, Emily and Stuart Miller will be attending Whinhill, Lola and Malena Perez-Malone will be making their way at Lady Alice while Faith Wilson will be attending Craigmarloch and her sister Jessica is going to St Francis'.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, convener of the education committee, said: “The annual twins photo has become very much a traditional part of the first day at school for many local parents.

"Clearly, though, the twins who are starting school this week will be facing a very different school environment than last year.

“We have done our utmost to make sure our schools are safe and welcoming for our new pupils.

"Hand sanitiser stations have been installed throughout our schools along with one-way systems and social distancing where required.

“It will be a different first day and a different school experience but I’m certain it will still be a rewarding one which leads to a successful and enjoyable schooling.”