Scottish Labour has welcomed a u-turn by the Scottish government on funding for school trips to Auschwitz.

Parties across the chamber had complained about the lack of funding for the trips that teach Scottish youngsters about the Holocaust.

The decision follows an active campaign from Ken Macintosh supported by History teachers, members of the Jewish community, the Holocaust Education Trust and others.   The Education Minister announced her decision following questioning from Ken Macintosh on the Parliament's Education Committee




The campaign was launched after Scotland's 32 local authorities said they would not be able to fund the trips next year and this vital education was put under threat.

Ken Macintosh MSP, Labour's Schools Spokesperson said:

"I am delighted that the SNP have changed their mind on funding these trips to Auschwitz.  No one who has ever had the unforgettable experience of visiting Auschwitz Birkenau could understand why only Scottish pupils were being denied the opportunity to learn the lessons of the Holocaust for themselves.  

"I know that school pupils who have just returned from one of these visits were so moved by the experience, they started a petition to ensure funding would be continued.  They will be as heartened as I am by this decision."