A LEADING human rights campaigner will visit Barrhead High to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Amal Azzudin is set to stop by the school next Tuesday, January 24 to talk to pupils about her work with refugees as part of the day of recognition.

The Glasgow Girls member, who has fought against the detention and deportation of asylum seekers in the city, will also speak at St Ninian's High in Giffnock and Linwood High, Renfrewshire on the same day.

The theme of this year's event, which will be commemorated nationwide on Friday, January 27, is ‘How can life go on?’, focusing on the aftermath of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides around the world.

Amal's visit to St Ninian's High will coincide with the screening of 'Learning from the Past' – a film that explains the reasoning behind Holocaust Memorial Day.

A string quartet made up of students from four Renfrewshire schools will welcome guests to the event which is being held in partnership between Renfrewshire Council and East Renfrewshire Council.

Pupils from Barrhead High will recite Martin Niemoller's poem 'First They Came', while their counterparts from Paisley Grammar will read 'Birdsong' by Gillian Clarke.

East Renfrewshire provost Alastair Carmichael said: "Holocaust Memorial Day provides each of us with an opportunity to learn the lessons of the Holocaust.

"It is a chance to remember, but also a chance to pass the lessons of the past to the next generation.

"As well as honouring those who lost their lives during these atrocities, it is also about standing with survivors and showing our support.

"Whilst we will all take a moment to look back at the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust on this national day, it is also provides a stark reminder that genocide is still taking place across the world."

Those who would like to attend the free Holocaust Memorial Day at St Ninian’s High School can email margaret.pettigrew@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 577 3107 to reserve a place.