Thirty Kilmarnock Academy pupils visited Glasgow Central Mosque and Garnethill Synagogue, Jewish Archives Centre to explore religious life in Scotland. We were greeted by the mosque’s Imam who showed us around the prayer room which has a wall marked with a “mihrab” – a niche indicating the direction of Mecca, which Muslims should face when praying. We were also shown the minaret, a dome and the place to wash before prayers. Each feature has its own special significance. The worshippers at the mosque were very friendly and welcoming and told us about some of the Zakat (charity) work that they do in the local community.

After lunch, we then went to Garnet hill Synagogue and Jewish Archives Centre. We were given a very warm welcome from the volunteers who showed us around the exterior of the old synagogue. They showed us the hostels where the Jewish refugees who came to Scotland on the Kindertransport lived and went to school. We then were taken to the synagogue which was beautiful and we enjoyed hearing about Jewish culture, practices and tradition. We were then taken to the archives where we were lucky enough to be shown primary sources including papers, passports, photographs from pre-war Jewish life and life during the war. We learned more about Jewish refugees who came to Scotland during World War Two, particularly all about the life of Holocaust survivor Dorith M. Sim, author of ‘In my Pocket’.

This was an exciting an enriching experience enjoyed by all. Staff from both religious sites commented on how polite and inquisitive the Kilmarnock Academy pupils were.

Well done everyone on making this trip a success and representing our school so well !