Reconceptualising the Holocaust and Holocaust education in countries that escaped Nazi occupation: a Scottish perspective

Abstract

Prior to the establishment of a national Holocaust Memorial Day in 2001, the Holocaust was not part of Scotland’s historical narrative and its teaching was marginal in Scotland. This article examines Scotland’s connections with the Holocaust and reflects on the impact that the history of the Holocaust has had on Scotland. Investigating Holocaust education from the perspective of a country that has no obvious connections with the Holocaust can perhaps assist other countries with similar connections, and can lead to consideration of ways in which their social and historical contexts can contribute to a meaningful integration of the Holocaust into their educational programmes. The article discusses how Holocaust education has been integrated into schools and community programmes in Scotland. It also considers what contemporary policies, practices and priorities align well with a potential deeper integration of Holocaust education.

Keywords:

• culture
• Holocaust education
• citizenship
• Holocaust Memorial Day

Notes

1.The term Gypsy/Traveller refers to distinct groups – such as Romany Gypsies, Scottish and Irish Travellers - who regard the travelling lifestyle as being part of their ethnic identity (Scottish Government 2011)

2.The remit of the Children’s Commissioner is to ensure that all children and young people in Scotland have their rights respected.

3.The Scottish Executive changed its name to the Scottish Government in 2007.

4.A cairn is a man-made group or pile of stones that is placed on top of one another to form a mound.