By Natalie Walker, PA News

Family and friends of the new golden girls of the curling world were gearing up for the heroic team's return on Monday.

The all-Scottish squad is guaranteed a rapturous welcome on its return to Britain on Tuesday after defying the odds to bring the top prize home from Salt Lake City.

Rhona Martin and her British team will wear their gold medals with pride as they are reunited with their loved ones at Glasgow Airport following their success at the Winter Olympics.

A big party is also planned later at Greenacres Curling Club, where Martin perfected the stone-throwing technique that sealed victory over Switzerland in last week's thrilling final.

The women curlers were leaving America on Monday, the British Olympic Association said.

On arrival back in the UK they were expected to chat briefly to members of the press at London's Heathrow Airport before heading to Scotland.

Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell and deputy tourism minister Elaine Murray will be among those clamouring to congratulate the team at the airport.

The squad members are expected to meet members of the media for an hour-long press conference before heading to Greenacres in Howwood, Renfrewshire, to continue the celebrations.

Martin, a 35-year-old mother of two from Ayrshire, carried the national flag at the games' closing ceremony.

Family and friends say the team, which also included Margaret Morton, Fiona MacDonald, Janice Rankin, Debbie Knox, are in for ``a real shock'' on their return.

They have become national heroes after winning Britain's first Winter Games gold for 18 years.

Ray Knox, from Fife, the mother of team member Debbie, said: ``I spoke to Debbie after the closing ceremony and she was still over the moon with the way things have gone out there.''

Fife Council is planning a civic reception for Knox, who lives in Lochgelly with her partner Scot and their five-year-old twin daughters Anna and Beth. Officials will discuss the plans with her as soon as possible.

Her mother said: ``I think all the families keep telling the girls how much interest there is in the country about their win but they really have no idea.

``They are all in for a huge shock and I am sure they will be very taken aback at the amount of people who turn up to welcome them back.''

She added: ``We just can't wait to see Debbie and to congratulate her in person. I know she is excited about seeing the family too.

``But I think they will all be shattered by the time they get back to Scotland, but they will want to celebrate with their families and friends too.''

Meanwhile celebrations were continuing in Aviemore where the family of Alain Baxter said they were looking forward to having the slalom hero back home later this week.

The 28-year-old skier, who is nicknamed The Highlander, became the first Briton to win a skiing medal in Olympic history.

His proud grandparents, Chic, 77, and May, 76, paid tribute to their grandson's Olympic achievement in taking the bronze.

Mr Baxter said: ``He skied magnificently. The others failed to handle the conditions - it's as simple as that.''

The thrilled grandfather said Alain's previous jobs as a gardener and a builder had helped him get through a rigorous training regime in the lead-up to the games.

Local councillor Bob Severn has already suggested that Baxter be given the freedom of Aviemore.

Peter Steinle, the owner of the Cairngorm Hotel, which provided a support base for Baxter, said people in the town were looking forward to welcoming the star back home.

The 50-year-old said locals were trying to find out what title, if any, could be bestowed on Baxter.

``We have been in touch with the British Ski Federation to see exactly what can be done to honour Alain,'' Mr Steinle said.

``We will certainly have a big party though and get the school kids out and get him driving through the town.''

Ski centres in the Scottish Highlands say Baxter's stunning and unexpected performance had raised the profile of the sport.

Baxter is due to return on Wednesday or Thursday when it is understood he will arrive at Edinburgh airport and be greeted by a piper.