A WEE COUNTY school found itself in "media frenzy" this week after a video supporting the Scottish rugby team went viral on social media.

Lochies School pupils have taken Twitter by storm with their Makaton-signed version of Flower of Scotland, which hit the internet last week ahead of the weekend's Six Nations clash versus Ireland.

Around 11,000 people, at the time of writing, have since watched the school's Makaton Rocks singing group.

The kids were inspired to sing and to sign the anthem in support of the team with the post saying that "[we] hope our efforts will let our rugby team know we are #AsOne".

Their message of support resonated so strongly that Scottish Rugby chief operating officer Dominic McKay has now offered the pupils a visit to a summer test match with plans currently being forged.

Lochies, Clackmannanshire's specialist primary school for learners with severe and complex additional needs, uses Makaton Sign Language to augment communication at school with a well-established Makaton Choir and the Makaton Rocks group for more senior pupils.

Rhoda MacDougall, headteacher at Lochies, explained that a recent Gold Award for developing a communication-friendly environment and the recent Six Nations excitement has helped keep the Makaton momentum going.

The suggestion for the song came from a learner who enjoys watching the sport and one of his favourite bits is when the piper plays the famous tune.

Rhoda said: "We have been watching our Twitter feed closely over the last few days and cannot believe the media frenzy we have found ourselves in.

"Scottish Rugby have been in touch to extend an offer for our children to attend a summer Scotland test game and we cannot wait to take up this amazing opportunity to watch international standard sport live and maybe even get a chance to sign Flower of Scotland live on the day too."

Mr McKay said it was "immensely heartening" to know just how much support there is for the team.

He said: "The support is obvious at BT Murrayfield Stadium, Scotland's biggest stadium, where we have had 13 successive capacity attendances, but when we see on social media and other feedback what the team means to so many people and the strong bond that exists with the team, that takes it to another level.

"The tweet from Lochies School, with children singing and signing Flower of Scotland, was tremendously inspiring and absolutely embodies our AsOne hashtag – all are welcome at Scottish Rugby.

"We are in touch with the school and are making arrangements to invite a number of pupils to our Summer Test match against France."

Rhoda added: "We feel so lucky to be the focus of so much attention across Scotland and the messages of support and thanks have been extremely appreciated.

"We are so proud of our children and hope that their performance goes on to inspire the Scotland team for our next game against France."