Scotland
October 6-11, 2026
Several years ago, scholars made the case that Frederick Douglass was the most photographed American of his time, and now we are making the case that he was also the most traveled abolitionist of his time.
Frederick Douglass was more than an American abolitionist, he was a citizen of the world. As the most widely traveled abolitionist of the 19th century, Douglass took his message of freedom across England, Scotland, Ireland, and Europe, forging alliances and influencing global movements for justice. The Frederick Douglass Travel Club offers an exclusive experience blending history, culture, and luxury—curated stays, private tours, and unforgettable moments in the very places where Douglass inspired the world.
Join Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives and Footsteps to Freedom in Edinburgh, Scotland in October 2026 for six days of immersive history and culture.
Footsteps to Freedom Scotland Info Session
A special online info session celebrating Frederick Douglass’ journey through Scotland!
Map
Frederick Douglass in Scotland
October 6–11, 2026
(Subject to revision as special programs and venues are finalized.)
October 6
Location: Edinburgh
Travel day. Hotel check-in at the official tour hotel near New Town. Evening Opening Reception at 6:00 pm to welcome guests and introduction to Frederick Douglass’ time in Scotland.
October 7
Location: Edinburgh
Guided exploration of Douglass’ Edinburgh including key sites and special programs.
October 8
Location: Dundee & Perth
Full-day excursion tracing Douglass’ speaking tour in Dundee and Perth, with historical interpretation of the abolitionist movement in these cities.
October 9
Location: Glasgow
Guided visit to Glasgow, where Douglass addressed large audiences. Exploration of the city’s connections to both the Atlantic economy and anti-slavery activism.
October 10
Location: Edinburgh
Independent exploration in Edinburgh. Guests participating in the Transatlantic Traveller experience will enjoy a curated afternoon program highlighting additional Douglass history
October 11
Location: Edinburgh
Hotel check-out and departure. Travel day for participants returning home or continuing independent travel.
Scotland holds a uniquely profound place in Frederick Douglass’s global story. It was from a Scottish poem, “The Lady of the Lake” by Sir Walter Scott, that Douglass chose the surname “Douglass” after escaping slavery—forever linking his identity to Scotland. When he later arrived there in 1846, he forged a deep relationship with the country and its people. He was immediately appointed “Scotland’s antislavery agent” and toured the cities, towns, and villages of Scotland. Living for a time at 33 Gilmore Place in Edinburgh, he found both refuge and resonance, addressing audiences who welcomed his vision of freedom. In Dundee, he delivered four stirring addresses at venues like the Bell Street Chapel, drawing crowds eager to hear his eloquence. In Glasgow, he electrified audiences at City Hall, famously urging the Free Church to “send back the money” it had accepted from American slaveholders. And in Edinburgh, he returned again and again, giving dozens of speeches throughout 1846 that cemented his legacy in the capital.
“I have spent some of the happiest moments of my life since landing in this country.”
— Frederick Douglass, reflecting on his time in Scotland
Choose the experience that fits your journey while exploring the places where Frederick Douglass helped ignite Scotland’s anti-slavery movement. Tour packages cover the curated historical experience and programming.
Freedom Journey - $2,795 USD per person
The Freedom Journey experience provides full participation in our complete Frederick Douglass in Scotland experience. Guests will join guided visits in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth, and Glasgow, tracing the ground where Douglass spoke and organized. In Edinburgh, we will spend time at the National Library of Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and Edinburgh Castle, situating Douglass within Scotland’s intellectual and political life.
This journey also confronts Scotland’s complex history as both a center of the slave economy and a powerful hub of anti-slavery activism. Scotland was an essential destination for abolitionists raising funds and building international alliances. Participants will discover how Douglass’ fierce advocacy abroad helped transform the global movement for freedom and what his transnational strategy teaches us today about moral courage, coalition building, and international solidarity.
Includes:
• Guided tours in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth, and Glasgow
• Special events at the National Library of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland
• Private coach transportation for scheduled excursions
• Historical interpretation of Douglass’ speeches in Scotland and the transatlantic abolitionist movement
Abolition Circle - $3,595 USD per person
Includes everything in the Freedom Journey, plus:
• Two curated private dinners in Edinburgh
• Evening discussions connecting Douglass’s activism to contemporary social justice movements
Transatlantic Traveller - $4,495 USD per person
The Transatlantic Traveller offers the most comprehensive experience. In addition to full participation in the Freedom Journey and the two private evening dinners, guests will receive a tailored final afternoon experience aligned with their interests. This may include focused archival time, a guided cultural exploration, or structured independent study with curated recommendations. This package also includes transportation to and from the Edinburgh Airport.
Includes everything in the Abolition Circle, plus:
• Airport transportation to and from the official tour hotel
• A curated private afternoon experience in Edinburgh tailored to Douglass history, Scottish culture, and abolitionist legacy
Refund & Cancellation Policies
- Registration & Payment Schedule
Reservation Deposit
- A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour.
- Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plan
- $500 non-refundable deposit at registration
- Final balance due by July 1, 2026
Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in cancellation and forfeiture of payments made.
- Cancellation Policy (Participant-Initiated)
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to kennedy@footstepstofreedom.com.
Cancellations on or before June 30, 2026
- Refund of all payments minus the $500 non-refundable deposit
Cancellations between July 1 – July 14, 2026 (Grace Period)
- Cancellations submitted during this window will be reviewed individually.
- Participants are strongly encouraged to transfer their seat (see Section 4) or file a travel insurance claim rather than cancel outright.
Cancellations on or after July 15, 2026
- No refunds will be issued.
- Cancellation by Tour Operator
Footsteps to Freedom reserves the right to cancel the tour due to:
- Insufficient enrollment (the tour requires a minimum of 20 participants to operate)
- Force majeure events (natural disaster, government restrictions, public health emergencies, etc.)
- Safety concerns
If the tour is canceled by Footsteps to Freedom:
- Participants will receive a full refund of all payments made to Footsteps to Freedom, including deposits.
- Footsteps to Freedom is not responsible for airline penalties, travel insurance claims, or additional personal expenses.
- Transfers
If a participant is unable to attend:
- You may transfer your seat to another person with written approval from Footsteps to Freedom.
- All name changes must be submitted by August 15, 2026.
- Replacement participants must complete all registration documents. Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended)
Because of the strict cancellation timeline, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants, including coverage for:
- Trip cancellation
- Medical coverage abroad
- Trip interruption
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, if desired
Participants are responsible for purchasing their own insurance. Footsteps to Freedom is not responsible for losses that could have been covered by travel insurance.
Payment Policies
-
- Accepted Payment Methods
Footsteps to Freedom LLC accepts the following forms of payment:
Check
- Payable to: Footsteps to Freedom LLC
- Mail to: 1201 University Avenue, Suite 210, Riverside, CA 92507
Zelle
- Footsteps to Freedom LLC
- Phone: 951-830-1827
Credit Card
- Processed securely through QuickBooks
- Invoices will be emailed upon request and credit card processing fee will be applied at checkout
- Airfare & Personal Expenses
Unless explicitly stated in the tour package:
- Airfare is not included.
- Airport transfers outside the designated tour schedule are not included.
- Passport and visa requirements are the responsibility of the participant.
- Only meals specified in the itinerary are included.
- Participants are responsible for their own lodging unless they book through Footsteps to Freedom’s group hotel arrangement.
- Force Majeure
Footsteps to Freedom shall not be liable for delays, changes, or cancellations due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to:
- Government action
- War or civil unrest
- Labor strikes
- Public health emergencies
- Severe weather events
- Airline disruptions
In such cases, only funds collected directly by Footsteps to Freedom will be returned, including deposits.
- Late Bookings (After July 15, 2026)
Participants registering after July 15, 2026:
- Must pay in full at time of registration.
- Are subject to availability.
- No refunds will be available.
- Governing Law
These policies and any disputes arising from participation in the Frederick Douglass in Scotland Tour shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
- Acknowledgment & Agreement
By registering for the Frederick Douglass in Scotland Tour, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Refund, Cancellation & Payment Policies.
Freedom Journey
$2,795 USD
per person
Guided tours in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth & Glasgow
Special programs at National Library of Scotland & National Galleries of Scotland
Abolition Circle
per person
Transatlantic Traveller
per person
Ready to secure your spot? Complete your deposit and registration by clicking the button below.
In The News
The Carnegie Lecture and the National Library of Scotland
In November 2025, Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. visited Scotland to for a pivotal chapter in Frederick Douglass’s life and work.
Your Guides
Kenneth B. Morris Jr.
Frederick Douglass’ 3x great grandson
Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives
Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds
Black Voice News Publisher
Professor Celeste-Marie Bernier
The University of Edinburgh
Douglass Family Scholar
Interested in attending the Scotland Tour?
Please complete the interest form to confirm your intent to join us and help us plan for accommodations, experiences, and group size. Submitting the form lets us follow up directly with next steps and travel details as we prepare for the tour.