MP remembers holocaust victims INVERCLYDE’S MP today paid tribute to those who died in the Nazi holocaust.

Marking Holocaust Memorial Day, which falls on Monday, Iain McKenzie signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in the House of Commons.

Mr McKenzie said: “This honours those who died during the holocaust, as well as honouring the extraordinary holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people about what they endured. This is the 69th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.

“In the weeks leading up to and after Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events are arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the holocaust and subsequent genocides.

“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity to remember the victims and survivors.” Karen Pollock MBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “We are pleased Iain is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day.

“It is vitally important that we continue to remember and learn from the appalling events of the holocaust.”
Premiere for local film A FILM shot in Inverclyde and starring Hollywood A-lister Scarlett Johansson will be screened in Glasgow as part of a major movie and arts event.

Under the Skin will be shown at the 10th annual Glasgow Film Festival on Sunday 2 March — two weeks before its official UK cinema release on Friday 14 March.

Scenes for the sci-fi flick, which sees Johansson play an alien sent to Earth, were shot at the James Watt Dock in Greenock as well as various locations in Port Glasgow, including Devol, Clune Park and Woodhall.

The film has already received critical acclaim internationally following screenings at film festivals in London, Toronto and Venice.


Assault denial A PORT man has denied assaulting a woman at an address in Greenock.

Joseph Cunningham, 29, is charged with throwing a drink over the woman, kicking her on the body and compressing her neck by grabbing jewellery she was wearing. The alleged incident happened on 13 October last year at a home in Auchmead Road, Larkfield.

Cunningham, of Roseneath Road, pled not guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court, where matters continue next month.


Free concert A TRIBUTE to legendary rockers Thin Lizzy takes place in Greenock this weekend.

Still Lizzy will be playing at Hangar 18 tomorrow, with entry free. Doors open at 7pm and the band will be on around 9.30pm.


Coffee event ST JOHN’S Church in Gourock host a coffee morning tomorrow from 10am to noon. Tickets are £1.50.


Group named best band TOP Inverclyde indie band The Beat Movement have been named the best band of 2013 by a respected music fans’ website.

The four-piece Greenock-based group were voted last year’s number one new act, ahead of acclaimed Irish rockers The Strypes.

They were also runners-up in the best live act category in a poll by online blog The Mod Generation. The Beat Movement have been rated as top indie band by another respected music website, Reverbnation.

Joe Nelis, the band’s joint-manager, said: “With three new singles ready for release in 2014, things are looking great.”
Official opening date INVERCLYDE’S new £44 million shared campus schools will be officially opened next week.

The ribbon will be cut at Port Glasgow Community Campus on Wednesday at 2pm by Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe.

The massive campus incorporates St Stephen’s and Port Glasgow High schools as well as Craigmarloch additional support needs school.

Rumours about a member of the Royal Family attending the opening ceremony have been quashed by council officials and the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Guy Clark.


New shop takes on staff BOSSES of a discount retail store which will create 30 new jobs when it opens in Greenock next month have now started recruiting shopfloor staff.

Home Bargains is looking for sales assistants for its store in Customhouse Way in the Waterfront Retail Park.