Jewish People

Jewish merchants began trading in Scotland in the Middle Ages.

There was no anti-Jewish legislation in Scotland, unlike the position in England and many parts of Europe, and by the late 18th century there was a growing Jewish community in Edinburgh.

Many worked initially in tailoring sweatshops and then later as they prospered, often with the assistance of more settled members of their community, they opened up their own businesses.

Larger numbers migrated from Russia and Eastern Europe in the 1880s and 90s, escaping political and religious persecution.

More followed in the 1930s as Europe was gripped by fascism. Initially they lived in close-knit communities in industrial areas of Glasgow and Edinburgh, but later moved into the suburbs and other areas of Scotland.

They have retained a strong sense of community and cultural identity while participating in many areas of Scottish social, professional and cultural life.