LUCKY schoolchildren were the envy of many Scottish footballers as they managed to touch a historic piece of sporting silverware.

West Linton Primary School pupils achieved something that many players can only dream of - laying their hands on the Scottish Cup.

The idea of bringing the trophy to the school was put forward by parents Jim Eccleston and Neil Clunie, who are supporters of the cup holders St Johnstone.

Jim’s daughter Beth and Neil’s son Adam were among the excited children to witness the parade of the cup.

The trophy is the oldest in association football and the oldest national trophy in the world. It was first presented to Queen’s Park after they won the inaugural tournament in 1874.

“I think Jim and Neil were aware the trophy was going to be in Edinburgh and the football club kindly agreed to bring it over for the children to see,” said West Linton deputy head Martin Elliott.

St Johnstone forward Steve MacLean, who comes from Peebles, also put together a video for the children to enjoy.

“It was amazing for the children to be able to hold the cup. Seeing something as historic as this certainly generated a lot of interest in the school,” said Mr Elliott.

“Steve wasn’t able to come himself but it was wonderful to see the montage that he sent of the team winning the Cup last year against Dundee United.” Sadly for the Eccleston and Clunie families the cup will not be returning to the trophy cabinet of St Johnstone in May as the Perth club were knocked out in the fifth round of this year’s competition.