TRIBUTES are being paid to Holocaust survivor and educator Henry Wuga who has died aged 100.

Wuga came to Scotland from Germany in 1939 at the age of 15.

He was sent on the Kindertransport to escape the persecution of Jewish people by the Nazis.

He ended up in Glasgow where he lived with a Jewish widow until he was later evacuated to Perth.

In 1940, however, he was arrested after British officials intercepted letters he had sent back to his parents in Germany.

He would spend 10 months in a series of internment camps around the UK, where conditions were often terrible, for “corresponding with the enemy”. 

The National: Henry Wuga and his wife Ingrid WolffHenry Wuga and his wife Ingrid Wolff

After a series of tribunals he was later released as at just 16-years-old he was legally too young to be interned.

Despite this treatment he would go on to raise a family in Glasgow with his fellow German-Jewish refugee wife Ingrid Wolff. The couple travelled widely around Scotland during their lifetimes, often on bicycles. 

The pair would also regularly give talks at schools in the area, educating young Scots about the Holocaust.

Announcing his death, the chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Olivia Marks-Woldman, said: "We are heartbroken at the passing of Henry Wuga MBE.

"Henry was a gentleman: charming, dapper, and above all, a force for good.

The National: Henry Wuga as a teenagerHenry Wuga as a teenager

“The work that he, and his late wife Ingrid, did in sharing their testimonies, made an immense impact on thousands of people across Scotland.

"All of us at the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust send our deepest sympathies to his daughters Hilary and Gillian, and all his family and loved ones. Thank you for everything, Henry. We will miss you."

First Minister Humza Yousaf paid tribute to the work of Wuga and shared a video of himself commending his work in the Scottish Parliament.

“I'm devastated to hear of Henry's passing,” said Yousaf.

“His loss will be felt by communities right across Scotland and beyond.

The National: Henry Wuga dedicated much of his life to teaching young Scots about the HolocaustHenry Wuga dedicated much of his life to teaching young Scots about the Holocaust

“He worked over decades to remind us of the horrors of the Holocaust, which must never be forgotten. My thoughts with Henry's family, friends and the many who loved him.”

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon also shared her tribute on social media, saying that despite his passing Wuga’s legacy would endure.

She said: “Henry was an extraordinary human being.

“While the world is a poorer place for his passing, there is no doubt that his life made it better.

“Alongside his beloved wife, Ingrid, Henry educated thousands about the horrors of the Holocaust and the lessons from it that we must never forget.

“With quiet dignity, he reminded us of the power of love and humanity.

“He was also full of stories and fun. I last saw him just over a year ago, shortly before his 99th birthday, when - with him in the audience - I spoke to his friend, Chitra Ramaswamy, about her brilliant book Homelands which is based on his life.

“It was a privilege to spend time with him then and on past occasions. He will be so enormously missed - but his legacy will endure.”

Former Scottish Conservatives leader and MSP Jackson Carlaw said he had seen Wuga recently at his 100th birthday celebrations.

“How joyful it was just last month for us all to celebrate with Henry the reaching of his centenary,” he said.

“Today we mourn his passing & send much love to Hilary, Gillian and the family.

“In his own quiet way, Henry was a Statesman. May his memory be a blessing.”

Wuga is survived by two children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.