A PAIR of East Renfrewshire schoolgirls were part of a flash mob which brought an iconic New York venue to a halt by performing a rousing medley of Scottish songs.

Honor White, from Barrhead, and Evie Paterson, of Newton Mearns, who are both 13, travelled to the Big Apple with The Theatre School of Scotland for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to take part in Tartan Week.

Once stateside, the group had a great time showing Americans the ropes at the pre-parade ceilidh.

They also walked in the heritage celebration’s renowned parade before stopping in front of this year’s Grand Marshal – Scottish actress Karen Gillan – and performing a dance to The Proclaimers’ hit I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).

Barrhead News: The Theatre School of Scotland students had an amazing time in the Big AppleThe Theatre School of Scotland students had an amazing time in the Big Apple

Buzzing from their participation in the big event, the school’s director, Reece Donnelly, came up with the idea for the tartan-clad group to do an impromptu performance at Grand Central Station, which featured songs such as Caledonia and Flower of Scotland.

Evie’s mum Stephanie, who joined her on the US trip, told the Barrhead News: “They were all so excited after the parade and it just happened.

“We walked into the station and they all went in different directions, then the two girls who opened it started singing and they all just kind of amalgamated in the middle.

“We were getting stopped afterwards by people saying ‘Where are you guys from? That was amazing.’

“I think everybody who saw it was blown away by it.”

Barrhead News: Honor and Evie became firm friends during rehearsals for the trip of a lifetimeHonor and Evie became firm friends during rehearsals for the trip of a lifetime

The theatre school was invited to Tartan Week after a video of students performing 500 Miles in Edinburgh during lockdown went viral.

Evie, who attends St Ninian’s High, has been part of the theatre school for just over a year, while Barrhead High pupil Honor has been going since it started five years ago.

They won their places on the trip after beating hundreds of other students during an audition process.

The pair, who became firm friends during rehearsals, also enjoyed a visit to the Broadway Dance Centre for a workshop with actor and director Christopher Gurr.

Barrhead News: The talented teens had a magic time in New YorkThe talented teens had a magic time in New York

Honor’s mum Sara, who also travelled to the States with the group, said: “She was so excited to be part of such an amazing team.

“I’m so proud of her and the whole of the Theatre School of Scotland.”