Clydeview Academy pupil's role in King's Scottish Coronation

Only weeks after taking on school role Ailsa Russell is to walk alongside the Crown of Scotland at today's hugely symbolic event in Edinburgh.

She will be joined on the People's Procession as it winds it way along the Royal Mile to St Giles Cathedral by head boy Callum Charteris, head teacher Craig Gibson and principal teacher of music Alan Beck.

Then her role will continue at the Honours of Scotland ceremony in St Giles Cathedral as she accompanies the Crown of Scotland, the oldest of the crown jewels, dating back to James V Coronation in 1540, to King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The Gourock secondary is only one of two schools to take part in the Honours of Scotland procession and the ceremony, which will also be attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Clydeview Academy's invitation comes from the Lord Lyon, a member of the Royal Household, who visited the school to celebrate their official Coat of Arms to mark the school's 10th anniversary.

Sixth year student Ailsa said: "We had only just been told we were head girl and head boy, then we were told we were taking part in the People's Procession!

"But then I was told that I am walking next to the Crown of Scotland, and will find out more when I go the dress rehearsal.

"I am nervous, but it is exciting and an incredible privilege.

“I thought Mr Gibson was pulling my leg when he first told me about it.

“We’re feeling very lucky to be part of it.”

The head girl and boy are among 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life who are taking part in the procession.

The Clydeview Academy party will then be in St Giles Cathedral for the once-in-a-life event.

Today's parade will be followed by a national service of thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral when newly-crowned King Charles will be presented with the Honours of Scotland.

The country’s crown jewels are usually on display at Edinburgh Castle.

The school is delighted over its invite from the Lord Lyon to take part.

The Lord Lyon, king of arms in Scotland, is responsible for regulating heraldry and granting new arms and played key roles in the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth and coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Clydeview head teacher Mr Gibson said: “The Lord Lyon is a huge supporter of the school and champions young people at every possible opportunity.

“This is a great honour for us as individuals, for the school, and for Inverclyde.”

The school's principal teacher of music, Mr Beck, will be involved in the commemorations in his other role as president of the Robert Burns World Federation.

Provost Drew McKenzie will also be in attendance, representing the council and Inverclyde as a whole in his capacity as the area’s civic figurehead.

Councillor McKenzie said: “It’s a tremendous privilege for me to be invited to take part in this landmark event and represent the people of Inverclyde.

“I’m very much looking forward to the occasion, and especially for Ailsa and Callum to be involved in such an historic moment alongside Mr Gibson and Mr Beck.

“Inverclyde will be very well served on the day and I wish the Clydeview Academy representatives all the very best.”