Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined 200 students and teachers from schools and colleges across Scotland visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau through the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz scheme.  

Through the project, more than 4,000 Scottish students and 550 teachers have been on trips to the former concentration camp.

“It is a privilege to join pupils from across Scotland on the Lessons from Auschwitz visit to Poland and experience first-hand with them the sites where horrific crimes against humanity took place,” Ms Sturgeon said. 

“The work of the Holocaust Educational Trust is vital in educating young people - and what can happen if prejudice and racism become acceptable in a society. I’m proud the Scottish Government is able to support them to continue their important work.”

HET chief executive Karen Pollock said the First Minister’s participation “reflects her strong personal commitment to our work”.