A LOCAL primary school has been described as a "beating heart" and a "place of learning and love" during a debate in the Scottish Parliament.

It comes after Scottish Labour MSP Paul O'Kane praised Calderwood Lodge Primary in Newton Mearns, which is Scotland's only Jewish school, as he paid tribute to the school and its 60th anniversary.

The politician also joined forces with MSP for Eastwood Jackson Carlaw to bring about a debate that recognised the cultural and historical impact of the school.

On top of that, the Labour MSP also spoke about his time as Convener of Education for East Renfrewshire during which he oversaw the relocation of the school and the delivery of its shared campus with St Clare's Primary.

Meanwhile, during his own debate, Jackson Carlaw revealed the origin of the debate stating that he had been approached by O'Kane who asked him, “wouldn’t it be nice to talk about something positive involving the Jewish community in Scotland?”.

Paul O'Kane said: “For 60 years, Calderwood Lodge Primary has been a beating heart, a place of learning and love, where Jewish children have learned alongside Muslim children and children of other faiths and no faiths, where lives have been shaped, minds have been inspired. It stands as a beacon of hope, of perseverance, of tolerance and respect”.

He added: “I was delighted that Jackson Carlaw and I were able to secure this debate and ensure that our colleagues could hear about an institution that is held dearly in the hearts of the communities that we both proudly serve”

“I’m very proud to have played my part in supporting the school over the years, particularly during my time as Convener for Education, and it really warms my heart every time I drive past the shared campus”

“It’s a great milestone reaching 60 years and I wish it all the very best to keep going and keep thriving for the next 60 years”

“Mazel Tov to all pupils, staff and families past and present, this celebration of 60 years is all about them”