The success of an East Renfrewshire school’s football team has been recognised in the Houses of Parliament.

St Ninian’s High senior boys became the first team from East Renfrewshire to win the Scottish Schools’ Football Association Senior Shield.

The battle to win the 2020 award started in September 2019 but was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

It resumed in May this year – and ended in an historic victory for St Ninian’s, which counts Scotland captain Andy Robertson among its former pupils.

East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald was delighted to visit the school to present a copy of a parliamentary motion she tabled to mark the team’s success.

She told the Barrhead News: “I tabled this motion to recognise a momentous win which will be celebrated by all in St Ninian’s and across East Renfrewshire.

“The hard work of all players and coaches is admirable, especially through this difficult year.

“I congratulate St Ninian’s and all the teams who competed and I look forward to seeing the same passion, spirit and teamwork in the next competition.”

History was also made as the team’s captain, Aidan McLaughlin, joined his dad Paul as a winner of the Senior Shield, making them the first father-and-son duo to have their names engraved on the trophy.

Paul captained Holyrood High School to victory in the 1986/87 season.

Stephen McMaster, coach of the St Ninian’s team, said: “It is an unbelievable feat for the boys to achieve the prestigious Senior Shield for the first time, not only for St Ninian’s High but the first time for any school in East Renfrewshire.

“The memory of winning and lifting the Senior Shield will be one the boys will cherish for the rest of their lives, as will being recognised in this motion tabled by Kirsten.”

He added: “We are hoping next year that we can defend the trophy.”