A PRESTWICK schoolboy made history recently after becoming the first person to sign the national anthem at a Scotland football game.

Lauchlan Connelly, 13, was on the pitch at Hampden for Scotland’s World Cup crunch tie with Slovenia recently.

The Prestwick Academy student was not a mascot, or ball boy, but instead signed his way perfectly through “The Flower of Scotland” in front of thousands of fans in the stadium and live on TV.

Lauchlan said: “It was the best experience of my life so far.
“It was nerve-wracking but exciting too. I was scared and took a deep breath and when I looked down I saw the camera and felt like a superstar.”

Lauchlan first learned sign language at primary school and although he has no problem speaking, he wanted to make sure he could communicate with other deaf people.

Douglas Hutchison, Director of Educational Services at South Ayrshire Council said: “Congratulations to Lauchlan, it was a great experience for him and he did very well despite the nerves.

“We are always keen to support our young people to realise their ambitions and there should be no barriers to this.

“I would like to thank our hearing impairment team for their support and the SFA for arranging this special moment.”

Lauchlan could well become Scotland’s lucky talisman! 
He has been asked to sign the national anthem at the next three home games against England, Malta and Slovakia in October.