Scotland’s small Jewish communities are the focus of an intriguing research project by a University of Aberdeen historian who is hoping to uncover some of the mystery surrounding the Jews in Scotland.
Dr Nathan Abrams, Lecturer in History, is appealing to the public for help with his research for his forthcoming book, which explores the Jewish community in Scotland from the late 1800s until the present day.
Dr Abrams has already collected useful information, but is keen to uncover more. He said: “Despite the information I have already been able to glean, I believe there is still much to discover.
“Jewish communities in Scotland remain somewhat of a mystery as we currently don’t know too much about them.
“I would very much like to hear from people who may have memories or memorabilia, no matter how trivial, which could help with my book.”
Aberdeen’s Jewish community dates back to the 1880s, but was formally established on September 7, 1893, when a synagogue was consecrated.
Today, the Jewish population in Aberdeen is 200-strong, although only around 50 – 60 actively participate in communal events.
Elsewhere in Scotland, the first mention of a Jew in Ayr was in 1890, while the Dundee community dates from the early 1840s and, for a time, was the largest Jewish community outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
There were also small Jewish communities in Dunfermline, Falkirk, Greenock and Inverness, not to mention those Jews scattered and isolated throughout the islands of Scotland – even as far north as Lerwick in Shetland.
However, the one place in Scotland which Dr Abrams would particularly like to find out more about is the Highland capital of Inverness. Dr Abrams has so far established that at least two Jewish families were living in Inverness in 1881, according to the census, as well as some Jewish travellers.
Dr Abrams added: “The Jewish community in Inverness was founded in 1905 and Jews continued to live there until c.1970 when the population was listed as 12.
“Jews continue to live in Inverness today.
“Unfortunately, not much is known about this community, which still remains shrouded in mystery.”
Anyone who has information, memories, or memorabilia on any small Jewish community in Scotland, should contact Dr Abrams via email at: n.abrams@abdn.ac.uk or write to: History Department, University of Aberdeen, Crombie Annexe, Meston Walk, Aberdeen, AB24 3UB.