Download the [transcript] or read the [bulletin]

Summary of the Speech:

The Earl of Aberdeen’s toast is a deeply appreciative and eloquent tribute to Sir Walter Scott, celebrating both his literary genius and his character as a man. The speech emphasizes several key points:

1. Scott as Scotland’s Greatest Literary Figure

The Earl asserts that Scott was the greatest literary figure of the 19th century, not just for his works but for his character. Unlike many authors whose personal lives do not match the greatness of their writing, Scott’s life was as admirable as his books.

2. His Sanity and Balanced Character
Unlike some literary geniuses marked by eccentricities or obsessions, Scott exhibited a well-balanced mind and a healthy outlook on life. His works reflect this, being free from morbid introspection or unhealthy over-indulgence in sentiment.

3. A Man of Scotland, Through and Through
Scott was thoroughly Scottish, deeply familiar with every aspect of the country—its landscapes, history, songs, and people. His understanding of both the nobility and common folk allowed him to depict Scotland in a uniquely authentic way.

4. Scott as a Man of Action, Not Just a Writer
Unlike reclusive writers, Scott lived among people, actively participating in society. He had a bold, adventurous spirit reminiscent of the Border heroes he wrote about, preferring dangerous river crossings to safe bridges and showing enthusiasm for the volunteer military efforts of his time.

5. Imagination Balanced by Common Sense
Scott’s literary strength came from a balance between creativity and practicality. His storytelling never strayed into unrealistic sentimentality, and he always remained grounded in the realities of life. His depiction of events, such as the trial scene in The Heart of Midlothian, demonstrated this blend of realism and artistry.

6. His Literature was Free of Unwholesome Themes
The Earl praises Scott for avoiding indecent or unsettling topics, unlike some other authors. His novels and poems were pure, uplifting, and never sought to corrupt morals or unsettle faith. Scott himself took pride in never having written anything he would regret on his deathbed.

7. His Generosity and Absence of Jealousy
Despite being overshadowed as a poet by Lord Byron, Scott showed no bitterness. Instead, he generously praised Byron’s work, demonstrating a rare humility and magnanimity.

8. His Heroic Response to Financial Ruin
When Scott faced financial disaster in 1826, he did not despair but worked tirelessly to repay his debts, producing an astonishing volume of literature, including Woodstock, The Fair Maid of Perth, and Anne of Geierstein. The Earl compares Scott’s final years with Napoleon’s exile, arguing that Scott’s perseverance and dignity in adversity were more admirable.

9. The Strength of His Literary Legacy

• His historical novels, particularly Old Mortality, masterfully combined romance and realism, capturing the essence of Scottish life.
• His poetry, such as The Lay of the Last Minstrel and Marmion, contained unforgettable imagery, including vivid battle scenes.
• His characterization was outstanding, particularly his Scottish peasant figures like Cuddie Headrigg and Jeanie Deans.
• His humour and wit shone through his choice of character names, such as "Nichol Novit" for a law agent or "Andrew Fairservice."
• His ballad-style storytelling was so rich that The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border was said to contain the seeds of hundreds of romances.

10. Scott’s Influence on Scottish Identity
Every Scotsman could be proud of Scott, and his works should be essential reading in schools. The Earl humorously suggests that Tales of a Grandfather should be a government-mandated textbook.

Interesting Points to Note:

• Comparison with Napoleon – The Earl draws a fascinating contrast between Scott’s dignified struggle with financial ruin and Napoleon’s exile, arguing that Scott’s response was more admirable.
• Scott’s Adventurous Spirit – His love for perilous river crossings, his military enthusiasm, and his fearless approach to life echo the heroes in his books.
• The "Healthy" Nature of His Writing – Unlike many later writers, Scott avoided dark psychological themes, preferring action, adventure, and robust storytelling.
• Scott’s Generosity to Byron – Despite being replaced by Byron as Britain’s leading poet, Scott showed no resentment.
• Proposal for Education – The Earl’s suggestion that Tales of a Grandfather should be a required text in Scottish schools highlights how central Scott was to national identity.

Final Thoughts

The Earl of Aberdeen’s speech is both a profound tribute and a call to remember Scott not just as a great writer but as a national treasure. His closing remarks encourage the audience to honour “The Immortal Memory of Sir Walter Scott”—a toast that was then drunk in silence. 

Download the [transcript]  or read the [bulletin]

Subsidiary Toasts Summary:

The evening featured a series of formal toasts celebrating key figures, ideals, and institutions, each accompanied by eloquent and often humorous speeches.

1. Royal Toasts
   Proposed by the Chairman and cordially pledged, opening the formal proceedings.
2. “The Imperial Forces”
   Proposed by Sheriff Jameson, this toast praised the bravery and discipline of the British forces, particularly their service in South Africa during the Boer War. Jameson emphasised the overlooked sacrifices of colonial troops from the Cape and urged the audience to appreciate their role.
     Colonel Jerrard, in reply, humbly declined self-praise but expressed gratitude and admiration for Jameson's sentiments.
3. “The Memory of Sir Walter Scott”
   Proposed by the Earl of Aberdeen, this central toast is only briefly summarised in the document.
4. “Literature”
   Proposed by F. Faithfull Begg, who used the occasion to celebrate Dr Conan Doyle, noting his civic presence and literary achievement. Begg humorously lamented that Doyle had strayed into politics and urged him to return to literature, where his talents truly lay.
     Dr Arthur Conan Doyle, in response, delivered a deeply reflective and widely praised address on imaginative literature, the uniqueness of literary genius, and the rare brilliance of Sir Walter Scott. He argued that Scott’s greatness came from deep historical immersion, lifelong learning, and an extraordinary narrative gift. Doyle criticised modern literary trends, advocating a return to the classics and calling for "literary retreats" to renew the mind. (full speech - blog)
5. “The City of Edinburgh”
   Proposed by Sir George Douglas, who waxed lyrical about the city’s aesthetic beauty, historic depth, and especially its literary heritage. He celebrated figures like Allan Ramsay, Robert Fergusson, Robert Burns, and R.L. Stevenson, drawing emotional connections between Edinburgh’s streets and its pantheon of literary greats.
6. Response to “The City of Edinburgh”
     Treasurer Cranston, standing in for the Lord Provost, spoke of the city’s pride in its historical and literary traditions. He described Edinburgh as a beacon of education and moral leadership, expressing confidence that the Corporation was working to preserve and extend that legacy.
7. “The Chairman”
   Toasted by Sheriff Salvesen, drawing the formal evening to a close.
8. Entertainment
   Included musical selections by Mr Dambmann’s orchestra and songs by Mr Robert Burnett.
   The menu card, designed by Mr James Hay, featured a portrait of the Earl of Aberdeen and an illustrated mountain stream scene.

Interesting Highlights & Noteworthy Points

• Conan Doyle’s speech is the most intellectually rich, blending humility with insight. His reverence for Scott’s imagination and historical learning is profound. His quip about modern writers lacking Scott’s brains is memorable and earned significant applause.
• The idea of “literary retreat” was proposed by Doyle: a yearly period of solitude and reading of the classics to soothe and sharpen the mind—a strikingly modern concept for 1901.
• The speech on Edinburgh’s literary legacy weaves together a pantheon of figures, placing the city as a cornerstone of Scottish and British cultural identity.
• References to Carolina Nairne, Pet Marjory, and the “Laureate of Auld Reekie” (Robert Fergusson) add local colour and emotional depth, grounding the speeches in specific cultural memories.
• There’s a consistent tone of civic pride, mixed with an awareness of cultural decline—a nostalgic yet hopeful vision that literature, history, and honourable public service can still flourish.

Download the [Subsidiary Toasts] to read in full. 

Conan Doyle - Toast to Literature (blog)