They were joined by staff, parents, councillors, school partners and religious representatives for the prestigious event that was hosted this year by Larkhall Academy.

The annual commemoration is dedicated to the six-million Jewish people and others who were murdered in The Holocaust under Nazi persecution – as well as millions of others including Roma, disabled people and political dissidents – in addition to those killed in later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2026 was Bridging Generations and it encouraged those, from young to older, who gathered at the school remember this suffering of the past, to commemorate it, to learn both about and from it, and to share its messages with others.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Education Resources Committee, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, said: “I feel huge gratitude to everyone who participated in this year’s moving and thought-provoking tribute.

“The pupils all gave inspirational and talented performances that were not only incredibly emotional and inspirational, but also sent out a message that all generations can all carry forward and play their own part in helping to shape a more understanding and compassionate future.”

The pupils who performed at the event were from Larkhall Academy, Strathaven Academy, Uddingston Grammar, Lanark Grammar, Lesmahagow HS, St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School, Cathkin HS, Rutherglen HS and Trinity HS, as well as the South Lanarkshire Schools’ Choir and Larkhall Learning Community Primary Choir.

The evening was hosted by Larkhall Academy’s head teacher, Andy Smith, and its school captains, Millie Holland and Archie Strone, and came to a close with a moving candle-lighting ceremony.