Scotland star Caroline Weir surprises Crossford Primary pupil Eva Ramsay in Queen Anne High School visit

Last Friday, 11-year-old Eva Ramsay, who lives with her family near Saline, visited Queen Anne High School with her Primary 7 classmates at Crossford Primary ahead of their big move after the summer holidays – only to be left starstruck by Scotland star Caroline Weir.

Eva's mum, Victoria, revealed her daughter thought she was in trouble after being pulled out of class to meet the 87-times capped midfielder, who presented the youngster with a signed pair of football boots and pictures.

The emotional moment for Dunfermline Athletic Ladies and Girls player Eva came about after Caroline's dad, Lindsay – secretary of Dunfermline and West Fife Sports Council – found out that she had completed a school project focused on the former Manchester City player following a hockey festival, organised by the sports council, that she had taken part in.

With Caroline back in Scotland visiting family before joining up with the national side for their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine tonight (Friday), the wheels were set in motion to spring a surprise.

Victoria told the Press: "What added to the whole surprise was that she had been taken out of class and she thought that she might be in trouble. When she came around the corner, and saw me and her primary school teacher, she thought something major was up, but she recognised Lindsay.

"He gave her some signed pictures, and she burst out crying, and kept saying, 'I'm just so happy' – maybe it was relief that she wasn't in trouble!

"The plan was for Caroline to come around the corner but Caroline saw she was crying and was straight in to give her a big cuddle. She gave her a pair of prototype boots, signed, and the girls had a chat. Caroline was thanking her for writing a project on her, and was saying how she was humbled by it and that it was so lovely.

"It's so inspiring for the girls to have someone like that to look up to."

Eva, who plays for Dunfermline Athletic Girls, began playing football between the ages of six and seven, and came to write about her hero as part of a school project that was to focus on someone from Scotland.

Victoria, who joked that Eva's three brothers were "gutted" that they weren't pulled out of school to meet Caroline, said that she "knew straight away" who she was going to write about, and continued: "It was a great shock for her.

"I knew she would be shocked but I didn't expect the emotion. She's still feeling like she can't quite believe it. The boots are hanging up in her bedroom, she won't wear them, and she always gives them a wee nod!"

Caroline, who has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid following her departure from City, said: "It was lovely to meet Eva and hear about her love for football, as well as chat about the project she did on me.

"I was flattered she decided to choose me for it and she managed to include a lot of detail I'm not even sure my family knew!

"I think she was genuinely surprised so it was nice to see her reaction. I'm not in Dunfermline too often so it's great to meet girls who are similar to what I was like growing up, and it reminds me of what it was like being that age, loving football."

Teacher Julie Beers said: "It was magical to be able to play a small part. Never in a million years do you think you will meet your idols."

Eva's coach, Alan Martin, stated that she "always plays with a smile on her face but nothing quite like in this photo", with Victoria adding: "It helps that Eva loves sporty stuff and being outside.

"She's done gymnastics, which she's still going through, and Caroline said to her to stick in because it is a good thing for your body and strength.

"Caroline said to her to believe in yourself, stick in and, although girls at a certain age start to drop off, if you want to do it, there are ways to do it.

"She was really encouraging and said to Eva that, one day, the roles might be reversed, and you're playing for Scotland and I'm the one being a bystander!"