To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its anti-racism in education programme. (S6O-03834)

Delivering the work of the anti-racism in education programme is a key commitment in this year’s programme for government. We are working with dedicated stakeholders that are key to driving the programme forward. I am pleased that progress continues to be made, including through the recent publication of the new anti-racism action guide, which has been developed to empower employers of teachers to better support their minority ethnic staff. There remains much to do, however, and the Scottish Government will continue to work with stakeholders to drive that important work forward.

I thank the cabinet secretary for that comprehensive response. She will be aware that we are now in black history month. Regrettably, Scotland played a leading role in the British empire, which involved the forced transportation of 3.1 million slaves from Africa to British colonies. Some of the wealthiest slave owners were Scottish—as, in fairness, were some of the leading abolitionists at the time. Does the cabinet secretary agree that, if we do not know our history, we are undoubtedly doomed to repeat it? Will she therefore provide an update on the efforts that are being made to ensure that our children are taught Scotland’s history in relation to the British empire?

I very much agree with the member’s sentiment, particularly given that it is black history month. It is important that our history and our wider social studies curriculum provide a range of opportunities to teach about the British empire, including Scotland’s role in it. We are funding professional learning programmes relating to teaching on slavery in Scotland and on immigration and empire. Our anti-racism curriculum principles explicitly address that point through the commitment that our children and young people will

“understand and enquire into Scotland’s role in historical world events”,

which is hugely important. That includes transatlantic enslavement and colonial histories and their continuing impact to this day. Education Scotland is working with local councils to support the implementation of anti-racism curriculum principles.