Scotland are gearing up for a massive Six Nations game with France on Saturday and five youngsters from Courier Country are still on cloud nine after being involved as mascots for the electric England clash on February 14.
After a defeat in Italy, the Scots bounced back in round two of the competition with a brilliant 31-20 bonus point win over England in round two and have since beaten Wales away with a bonus point too.
On the day of the England game, Aidan Russell from Rosyth Sharks, the Glenrothes trio of Ruaridh Wilkinson, Katie Booth and Matthew Young and Carnoustie’s Arran Shellard were all mascots.
Aidan said: “It was the best day of my life. From we arrived in Edinburgh and walking to Murrayfield the atmosphere was amazing. We were given a bag, hat, joggers, top and a programme to keep to remember the day. We also got to run out on to the pitch with the players and I ran out with Finn Russell which was amazing.
“Singing the national anthem on the pitch was incredible and piper on the roof was amazing.
“I then loved watching the game with my mum and dad, it was non-stop action right from kick-off and we were sitting right beside the subs and really close to the pitch.
“After the game I got to meet all of the players and got a ball signed by them which is on display in my bedroom.”
Ruaridh’s dad said: “He loved his experience, he was on a high all day.
“He now says he is famous and did not settle down from the day until we got him home.
“He loved getting high fives in the tunnel when the players return from their warm-up and he even thought about high fiving Princess Anne!
“Ruaridh now has a new favourite player in the shape of Jack Dempsey after he walked out onto pitch and he loves the way he plays.
“His mother and I were beside ourselves with pride seeing him out there singing his little heart out during the national anthems and we were proud of the confidence he showed on such a big day for him.”
Katie said: “I loved every minute of being mascot and being able to represent Glenrothes alongside the national team.
“It was one of the best experiences I have ever had and my favourite part was getting to be on Murrayfield pitch itself and meeting all of the Scotland players, including Darcy Graham my favourite player.
“Everyone was so friendly all day and it was such fun.”
Katie was accompanied by her mum, dad and uncle to the game while her coach from Glenrothes Maja Meldrum was also there and they were all excited to see her on the pitch and support her.
Her mum added: “We are proud of her. It was an amazing day and Scotland winning made it better – even Katie’s dad who is English said it was a great day!”
Matthew loves rugby, it is his passion, and he said: “I enjoyed the mascot day, the highlight was getting to see behind the scenes and, of course, Scotland winning, the atmosphere was brilliant.
“My favourite player is Finn Russell so it was great to be able to see him up close and meet him while I walked out of the tunnel with Matt Fagerson.”
Matthew was there with two family friends as his parents already had a prior arrangement. They would have loved to have been at Murrayfield with him, but have watched bits back on TV and have seen lots of photos of his day and are glad he loved the experience.
And Arran said: “There was lots of cool things going on as kick-off approached and then I was standing waiting in the tunnel to see which player I’d get to run out with.
“I was delighted that it was Jamie Ritchie and he asked which team I played for and then we all sang the national anthem on the pitch and the atmosphere was so loud.
“It was then back to the seats with my family to watch the game and I was buzzing.
“The game was so good and maybe because Scotland won all of us that were mascots are lucky charms and will get asked back again!
“After the game I went back to tunnel to meet all of the players, it was a shame Jamie Ritchie was injured as I wanted to ask him about game, but I got lots of autograph and photos and I still can’t quite believe that the day was real!”
All the mascots are pictured