I can’t sufficiently praise Professor Goldblatt for his wonderful tour and lessons of historical and present  Jewish Scotland and the historical sites of the Jewish Community in Edinburgh, which my wife and I had  the privilege of taking with him two weeks ago. 

For all these reasons, my wife and I cannot more highly recommend Professor Goldblatt to anyone interested in learning about the Jewish Community of Scotland- its origins, history, and present situation. 

The Professor’s knowledge base is encyclopedic, and he has the uncanny ability to impart his vast knowledge in a manner that makes the historical facts come alive. 

Though thoroughly self- effacing,  through his  role as Chair of the Edinburgh Interfaith Committee , the

Professor has played a material role in enabling the Jewish community of Edinburgh, as well as the Jewish overseas’ students at the various universities there, navigate the turmoil following October 7th. The Professor’s actions and insights regarding recent events were penetrating , moving and inspiring. They were a window into this unfolding critical chapter in the Jewish experience – – delineated  not by a mere chronicler,  but an active participant.

How many times does a traveler have this incredible opportunity?

Lawrence Mittman, Esquire, New York, New York, 2024

Joel & I can’t stop talking about the wonderful tour you provided for us. We loved hearing all the stories and history of Edinburgh & your family. Your enthusiasm made everything come to life.

Jacqueline & Joel Emanuel, Florida, USA, 2024

“Thank you so very much for sharing with us the history of the Jewish presence in Scotland, however pervasive or small it may be. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

Judge Laurel Isicoff, Florida, 2024

My mother and I were lucky enough to spend an afternoon touring Edinburgh with a focus on Jewish history and heritage. What a treat! I cannot imagine a better experience than our time with Joe. He was a wealth of knowledge on history, both of secular and Jewish. Charming, engaging, and affable, Joe was well worth the price!”

Jessica Zander, New Hope, Pennsylvania 2023

I discovered so much during those two hours spent with you, not only about the Jewish diaspora in Edinburgh but in the whole of Scotland. It was made even better by visiting sites, such as the historic cemetery, as well as having all your personal anecdotes and stories. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to share about your community and religion with such enthusiasm.”

Anais Paulard, Blue Badge Tour Guide, 2023

We all had such a wonderful time with you yesterday.  Your talk about Jewish immigration to Scotland was fascinating and we could have listened to you for hours.  Your tour in the taxi was really enlightening and made all of us want to explore more! ”  Fiona Maxwell, Blue Badge Tour Guide, Edinburgh, Scotland 2023

We have lived in Edinburgh all our lives and during the Jewish People in Edinburgh tour we learned so many new and fascinating things about our home city!” Local Edinburgh Jewish couple, November 2022

The tour is extremely interesting and Professor Joe Goldblatt is a wonderful tour guide and remarkable storyteller. He guided our family through the history of Jewish people in Scotland. He provided great detail and historical facts while keeping the day light and fun. We would definitely recommend this tour and Joe for anyone interested in Scottish history and the Jewish experience in Scotland.” Jonna Eimer, Chicago, Illinois, 30 December 2022

On behalf of our group, I would like to thank you for the wonderful, informative and entertaining Jewish and American tour of Edinburgh with the emphasis on Jewish life in Scotland.  We wish you the best of health and continued success in all of your endeavors.  It was a pleasure to meet you.” Dorothy Bruckstein, Long Island, New York 16 September 2022

The Americans in Scotland Walking Tour

Celebrate the many positive links between Scotland the United States and learn how to research your Scottish ancestry, tartan and coat of arms.   The tour commences at the five star Balmoral Hotel with tea and a pictorial history of Edinburgh and then proceeds on foot throughout the historic city.

• Discover why Abraham Lincoln respected Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns and see his statue which was the first one in Europe. 
• Explore the many inventions of the Scottish people that were later developed in the USA and have changed the world.
• Experience the unique cultural links between the USA and Scotland.
• Learn about Scotland’s unique government and how the Declaration of Arbroath inspired the USA Declaration of independence.
• You will have photo opportunities at Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, the Royal Mile, the Canongate Kirk, Adam Smith’s tomb, Lincoln’s statue, Holyrood Palace and much more.

The tour is a 2.5 hour light walking tour (no steps) with frequent stops, departing from the Balmoral Hotel and proceeding up the Royal Mile and concluding with Tea at Her Majesty’s Palace. 

What an inspiring role the Jewish people have played in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland!  I was impressed with the rich history and the future plans for this unique community.” Jewish tourist from Switzerland, June 2022

The Jewish Heritage and History in Edinburgh and Scotland Tour

This 2.5 hour tour begins with tea at the Balmoral Hotel where Professor Goldblatt displays a pictorial history of the Jewish people in Scotland and Edinburgh. It then proceeds to a short walking tour to Calton Hill where we shall visit the Tomb of the eighteenth century doctor Hyman Lyons and enjoy panoramic views of the city. We shall then proceed by taxi to the former Jewish quarter and visit the nineteenth century historic Jewish cemetery (oldest in Edinburgh) and the exterior of the oldest (nearly a century) Jewish synagogue. The tour concludes with returning to the Balmoral Hotel. There are a few steps up Calton Hill. Taxi and tea is included in the fee.

Contact joe@joegoldblatt.scot for more information and costs.