The Scottish government has confirmed that funding for sixth-formers to visit Auschwitz under the aegis of the Holocaust Educational Trust will survive any budgetary cutbacks.

MSPs have applauded the guarantee in a motion tabled by West of Scotland Conservative Jackson Carlaw.

"I know having talked to many pupils who have been to Auschwitz that it's a profoundly significant moment," Mr Carlaw said.

"It's having a very beneficial effect of a wider understanding among young people of just what racism can lead to in its worst form."

Four hundred Scottish pupils participate annually in the HET programme.