They were joined by staff, parents, councillors, school partners and religious representatives for the prestigious annual event which is dedicated to the Jewish people and others who suffered in The Holocaust under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2025 was ‘For a Better Future’ and it encouraged those gathered to take the opportunity to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all.

HMD 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau – a significant milestone and made particularly poignant by the dwindling number of survivors who are able to share their testimony.  It also marks the 30th anniversary of the Genocide in Bosnia.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Education Resources Committee, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s thought-provoking and emotional tribute.

“The pupils all gave truly inspirational performances which were incredibly moving.

“It’s so important that we take time to reflect and learn from the past and help ensure a better future for everyone.”

The pupils who performed at the event were from Carluke High School, Larkhall Academy, St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School, Rutherglen High School, Cathkin High School, Lanark Grammar, Trinity High School, St John Ogilvie High School, Calderglen High School and Strathaven Academy. The event culminated in a performance of Peaceful by Teresa Jennings, performed by the Carluke Learning Community Primary Choir, with pupils representing Carluke Primary, High Mill Primary, St Athanasius Primary, Kirkton Primary, Crawfordyke Primary, Braidwood Primary, Law Primary and Forth Primary.

The evening came to a close with a moving Candle Lighting Ceremony led by guests of honour Rabbi Mendel Jacobs and Timothy Lovatt, President of the Jewish Representative Council.

Holocaust Memorial Day event 2025 was hosted by Carluke High School Head Teacher Steve Duffy, alongside his school captain Ailsa Mackie and vice captains Daniel Barnstaple and Leah Headley, as well as comperes from S2, Leah Gormill and Katie Lind.