Download the [transcript] or read the [special report] 

Summary of the Speech:

Charles A. Cooper begins by recounting the origin of the Club itself. It emerged from a casual conversation during a dinner at Holyrood Palace in May 1894 between himself, Mr. James Smail, and Dr. Kerr. The absence of a club dedicated to Scott—despite the existence of clubs for other national literary figures like Burns—led to the idea of founding one. A letter to The Scotsman by Mr. Smail sparked interest and quickly led to the formation of the Club.

Cooper humbly acknowledges the honour of being elected the first President, and reflects on Scott’s unmatched contributions to Scottish literature, character, and national pride. He argues that homage to Scott should not be silent; it should be active and shared, for sharing multiplies the benefit of his legacy.

He draws a contrast between true genius (like Scott’s) and self-important pretenders. True genius, he argues, involves dedication, humility, and a duty to uplift others. He praises Scott’s tireless study, his immense reading (including folklore, poetry, history, fairy tales), and his omnivorous curiosity, which he likens to a granary brimming with knowledge.

Cooper speaks movingly of Scott’s noble character—his honesty, kindness, patriotism, and courage in adversity. He recounts a moment from 1818 when Scott, believing he was dying, expressed that he had always tried to do good and had faith in his Redeemer. Cooper sees this as a profound testament to Scott’s integrity.

He rebuts accusations that Scott was a snob for desiring land and status, arguing instead that his ambitions were honourable, rooted in tradition and imagination, and reflective of a deep love for Scotland and its Borderlands.

Cooper describes Scott’s writing process—how he would think during walks, dream in the plantations, and write with ease—and celebrates the naturalness and humanity of Scott’s characters. Unlike other authors, Scott drew real men and women, true to life and his time, which explains the enduring power of his work.

He notes with concern that Scott was better known among German students than Scottish ones, and calls on the Club to take up the mission of promoting Scott’s legacy among younger generations.

Interesting Points Worth Highlighting

• Origins of the Club: The Club was inspired during a dinner at Holyrood, and its formation was kickstarted by a single letter to The Scotsman—a wonderful example of how casual conversations can lead to meaningful cultural institutions.
• Scott's Deathbed Reflections (1818): The anecdote of Scott saying he had never knowingly harmed anyone or missed a chance to help, while facing death, is incredibly powerful and poignant.
• Rebuttal of Snobbery Accusations: Cooper defends Scott against the claim that he was a snob, reframing his ambition to own land and establish a family as natural and noble desires, not vain or elitist ones.
• His Reading and Preparation: Scott’s wide reading—from Pope to chapbooks, fairy tales to Scottish history—was foundational to his creative power. Cooper compares this to a singer practising scales before performing songs.
• Letter from David Wilkie (1818): A personal recollection from the artist David Wilkie reveals Scott's charm, hospitality, storytelling prowess, and how even his family did not openly acknowledge his authorship of the Waverley novels at the time.
• A Warning and a Call to Action: Cooper worries that the next generation in Edinburgh is unfamiliar with Scott’s work, even as Scott is studied abroad. He sees the Club’s mission as educational and cultural—to spread Scott’s light in an age at risk of forgetting it.

Download the [transcript] or read the [special report] 

Subsidiary Toasts Summary:

The dinner included music by Mr. Dambmann’s band and songs by Mr. P. Glencorse and Mr. A. Orrock. The menu, designed by Martin Hardie, R.S.A., artistically referenced Scott’s works.

Key Toasts:

• "The Queen" and "The Royal Family" were formally toasted by the Chairman.
• "The Navy, Army, and Reserve Forces" was proposed by Sheriff Jameson, who praised Sir Walter Scott’s martial spirit and linked his literary energy to his ancestral fighting heritage. He also honoured the recently deceased Colonel Kinnear, a model volunteer officer.
• "Literature and the Press" was proposed by Professor Shield Nicholson, who defended Scott’s right to earn from his work and discussed the enduring value of older literature. He cleverly critiqued Mr. Gladstone’s poetic aspirations and praised the Scottish tradition of local literary histories. Provost Craig Brown, author of The History of Selkirk, responded by suggesting a summer visit to Scott’s Border haunts and referenced a breaking news story about the discovery of Scott's letters in Galashiels, highlighting the global reach of such literary finds.
• "The City of Edinburgh" was proposed by J. B. Sutherland, S.S.C., who reminded attendees of Scott’s deep affection for his "own romantic town". In Bailie M‘Donald’s absence, Councillor Mitchell Thomson responded, humorously acknowledging that the Town Council was not always perfect but steadfast in preserving Edinburgh’s beauty.
• "The Ladies" was proposed by Mr. J. D. Lawrie of Monkrigg and acknowledged by Mr. Garson, W.S.
• "The Chairman" was toasted by Dr. Scott Dalgleish, who praised Mr. Cooper for his eloquence, contributions to Scottish interests, and role as a newspaper editor of "imperial importance."
• A telegram from members in Hastings and St. Leonards sent greetings and honoured "the man who made Scotland." Mr. Cooper shared that a portrait of Scott had been gifted to the Club by Colonel Joseph Laing of New York, and he thanked Kenneth Sanderson and Elliot R. Smail for their work for the Club.

The evening concluded with the traditional singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Interesting Points:

• The Global Reach of Scott's Legacy: References to the discovery of Scott’s letters making headlines not just in Scotland but potentially across the United States and Canada underscore his international stature.
• Subtle Satire & Wit: Professor Nicholson’s gentle pokes at Gladstone’s poetic ambitions and the idea of applying literary “compression” to political speeches was particularly witty and warmly received.
• The Use of Visual Art: The illustrated menu, depicting scenes from Scott’s novels and the recovery of the Waverley manuscript, adds a lovely artistic touch that merged culinary and literary celebration.
• Military Heritage of the Scotts: Sheriff Jameson’s remarks about the “fierce joy of war” in Scott’s writing and his own martial ancestry offer a vivid insight into how Scott’s character was perceived at the time.
• Early Example of Literary Tourism: Provost Brown’s suggestion that Club members visit the Borders in summer to see Scott’s haunts shows that literary pilgrimage was already a concept being encouraged in the 1890s.
  

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