Pupils gathered to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

Local pupils helped to remember those who were involved in all aspects of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides as part of an event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Pupils from Auchinleck Primary and St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock, Stewarton, Loudoun, Doon, Robert Burns and Grange Academies delivered powerful presentations, lit candles and held a minute’s silence at East Ayrshire Council HQ in memory of all those who lost their lives during the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and in genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur and Bosnia. Councillors Ellen Freel and Barry Douglas also read out excerpts of the life stories of people from Bosnia and Palestine.

The theme for 2025 was ‘Bridging Generations’ and pupils spoke about how the responsibility of remembrance doesn’t end with survivors – it must be carried on through their children, grandchildren and all of us.

Councillor Neal Ingram, Cabinet Member for Human Resources, Equalities and Inclusion, said: “My thanks go to all of the pupils who not only delivered some very moving presentations, but also took the time to respectfully remember all those who have lost their lives through the holocaust or genocides.

“This year’s theme is incredibly fitting. We are at a juncture where many survivors of the holocaust are no longer with us, so their stories may be lost or forgotten. It is our collective responsibility to keep their memories and experiences alive.

“We must also recognise the stages of genocide when they present themselves and have the courage to call it out to stop future atrocities from happening. Together we must ensure that we are the light in the darkness, and the prevailing force that prevents these events from repeating themselves once more.”