It’s a double delight for pupils in Inverclyde next week with 12 sets of twins starting school.

A dozen pairs of ‘similar siblings’ will begin primary one on Thursday 18 August 2022 in the area which has become known as ‘Twinverclyde’ for its high rate of twins.

This year’s intake will take the twin count to 84 sets across all Inverclyde primary schools for the new term.

A total of 130 pairs of similar siblings have started P1 in each of the last 10 years.

The class of 2022 gathered at Ardgowan Primary in Greenock for a dress rehearsal ahead of the big day on Thursday with ten of the 12 sets of twins in attendance.

Provost of Inverclyde Drew McKenzie, who was on hand to welcome the twins, said: “Nobody seems to know why Inverclyde is a bit of a hotspot for twins but we have built up a reputation for being ‘Twinverclyde’.

“It has become an annual tradition to welcome our twins and their parents along to one of our fantastic schools each year and you can feel the excitement for the start of the new term next week.

“It’s great to see them all looking resplendent in their school uniforms and excited to get started in their new schools and meet new friends and the school staff.

“Today is a bit of a dress rehearsal in many ways and it’s always a good bit of fun for the parents too. It’s a lovely opportunity to look ahead to the schools going back for all our new and returning pupils and the staff.

“We’re very lucky to have one of the best, if not the best, schools estate in the country here in Inverclyde so it’s always wonderful to show off the fantastic schools and nurseries we have thanks to significant investment by Inverclyde Council.

“Every educational facility has either been completely rebuilt or extensively refurbished, such as Ardgowan Primary here in Greenock – a perfect example of one of the traditional buildings we have that has been extended and completely upgraded to make it fit for the 21^st Century while retaining the charming original features.

“I wish all our children and young people and all our staff well for the start of the new term on Thursday.”

A record 19 pairs of twins started P1 in 2015. There are on average 13 sets of similar siblings each year. For the new term, there will be 84 sets of twins across Inverclyde’s primary schools since the class of 2016 who are this year’s new P7s.