The Pope's ambassador to the UK hit the right note with pupils on a special visit to a Greenock school.

Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, received a warm welcome from pupils and staff at St Patrick's Primary.

His Excellency, who led a private prayer service with children, was so delighted to be in Inverclyde that he gave an impromptu performance on the piano for senior pupils.

Archbishop Buendia, who hails from Madrid, told the Telegraph: "It is a very beautiful school and Greenock is a very beautiful place.

"The most important thing, though, is the children. They are very polite. It is wonderful to see such lovely children.

"It is good to see that they are happy in their school and how they are progressing as a person and a student."

Asked if he had received a warm welcome, he quipped: "It is impossible not to have a warm welcome in Scotland."

The archbishop gave an impromptu performance on the piano during his school visit.The archbishop gave an impromptu performance on the piano during his school visit. (Image: George Munro)

Head teacher Kirsteen Doherty said she was keen to show the Papal Nuncio how they work as a parish and in the wider community.

She said: "It's been an absolute honour and privilege. We are so proud of our school, church and parish.

"Catholic education is quite unique in Scotland. We work so closely with Monsignor Gerry Gallagher to ensure that the children have a great experience in their faith formation, and to show that God is love. And we have excellent opportunities to visit the church."

Mrs Doherty said that all schools in the cluster work well together and support each other and it is very much a team effort along with parents, Monsignor Gerry, the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Diocesan education team.

She said: "The children have been so excited and prior to the visit we have tried to explain who the Archbishop was in an age appropriate way, we said to the P1's that the Pope's friend was coming while older children we explained His Excellency was the Pope's ambassador.

Mrs Doherty added: "I told the children the Bishop asked us because we were the best school.

"I was delighted and very proud of our pupils. They were excellent ambassadors for our school and community."

The archbishop also visited the Little Sisters of the Poor as part of his two-day visit to Scotland.

The night before his visit to Greenock pupils, staff and clergy from across Inverclyde also attended a special mass at St Mirin's Cathedral in Paisley in his honour.

Bishop John Keenan, who accompanied the eminent visitor, said: "It is historic. When a Papal Nuncio visits it is in effect a visit from the Pope with his blessings and words as well.

"His Excellency is thoroughly enjoying being here and he is clearly very relaxed."