Double trouble for the teachers!

It was a special day for two sets of twins in Perth as youngsters went back to school. Picture: Dougie Nicolson.

Schools across Perth and Kinross welcomed thousands of pupils yesterday to mark the start of the new term.

And for twins Isla and Murray MacIntyre and Ava and Amelia Ward, of Tulloch Primary School, it was a day they will never forget.

The two sets of twins proudly showed off their uniforms to their delighted parents at the Perth school.

Glorious sunshine greeted all the children, with Sean Hagney, head teacher at St John’s RC Academy in Perth, summing up the positive mood of everyone associated with going back to school.

“At the start of the school year it’s great to welcome our new nursery, primary one and first year secondary pupils, and welcome back our other pupils after the summer break,” he said.

“The young people have come back looking great in their uniforms and feeling refreshed, so we’re looking forward to a successful year of learning ahead.”

He continued: “Our children and young people will spend the next year being challenged to improve as well as having fun and enjoying learning, while our seniors will now settle into a big workload as they prepare for qualifications in years four to six in their secondary education.

“We wish them all every success in the year ahead.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Willie Wilson, vice-convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee (responsible for education and children’s services), said the start of a new school term represents “major” challenges for staff, pupils and parents.

“The start of a new school term gives the opportunity for a fresh start,” he said.

“However, it also can bring inevitable problems like litter, road safety and, at times, pupil behaviour.”

And Councillor Caroline Shiers, lifelong learning convener for Perth and Kinross Council, added: “This is an exciting day for all pupils in Perth and Kinross and I wish them all the best in their education.

“It will be especially exciting for those taking exams next year.”

All schools across Perth and Kinross opened their doors yesterday with the exception of the newly built £8.9 million Alyth Primary School which is to open today.