A BARRHEAD schoolgirl’s work with the Holocaust Educational Trust has been honoured by MPs in Parliament.

Kirsty Robson was praised for her account of a trip to Auschwitz concentration camp by East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton in a speech to the House of Commons.

The Barrhead High pupil had travelled to the site of the Nazi death camp in Poland with the Holocaust Educational Trust with the aim of helping to raise awareness among her peers.

Kirsty said: “Ever since I went Auschwitz, I have felt a sense of duty to raise awareness of the work of the trust and continue sharing the lessons that can be learned from the Holocaust.”

In his speech, Mr Masterton noted the contribution made by Kirsty.

He also quoted her words, telling MPs: “I am steadfast in my belief that we must learn from the mistakes and heartaches of our past, take note of the contemporary relevance of such events and ensure the world we shape is one of acceptance and kindness, free of persecution and prejudice.”

As well as visiting Auschwitz, Kirsty organised a Holocaust memorial event at Barrhead High, which was attended by two Holocaust survivors and a refugee.

The three guests spoke to pupils about their experiences and led discussions to demonstrate the similarities between their lives and the prejudices they faced.

Mr Masterton said: “As Kirsty put so well, it is vital that each generation learns from the mistakes of the one that came before it. The Holocaust shows us what the worst of humanity can produce. We must never forget the horrors of the past and the great work of Kirsty and all at the Holocaust Educational Trust will ensure we will always remember.”

Last week, Mr Masterton also signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging his support for Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the atrocity.

Elsewhere, a special service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day took place at St Ninian’s High School, in Giffnock.

Local pupils were joined by those from schools in neighbouring Renfrewshire for the joint event, which was based on the theme of ‘The Power of Words.’

Also in attendance were East Renfrewshire Provost Jim Fletcher, Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron and Glasgow University lecturer Dr Elwira Grossman, who outlined the story of the children of the Warsaw ghetto orphanage.