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Summary of the Speech:

Sir Gilbert J. Parker, a Canadian-born MP, delivered an eloquent and heartfelt toast to “The Memory of Sir Walter Scott.” Though not Scottish by blood, he described himself as a captive of Scottish culture from the age of ten when he first read Rob Roy on the shores of Lake Huron. His lifelong devotion to Scott was not rooted in heritage but in the powerful resonance of Scott’s writing across time, class, and geography.

Parker praised Scott as a towering figure whose influence extended beyond literature into moral, civic, and national life. He called Scott a statesman, philosopher, sociologist, humourist, and philanthropist. His genius lay in combining dramatic sense and deep humanity with unforced humour and tolerance. He highlighted Scott’s unique literary style—"loose and large"—that allowed the story to breathe and unfold with vitality and realism, always marked by a "note of action."

Noteworthy was Parker's claim that Scott’s fiction had helped unify the different nationalities of the British Isles and inspired patriotism and moral fortitude across the Empire. He recounted personal anecdotes, including one about a Scottish tailor whose love of Scott helped bridge a moment of personal hardship for Parker. He also described seeing Scott's books in remote outposts across the globe, lovingly worn and treasured, reinforcing Scott’s role as an “unconscious missionary” of British values.

Parker concluded with a call to honour Scott’s enduring legacy as a universal and transformative figure whose spirit and writing continued to enrich, educate, and inspire readers from all walks of life.

Notable and Interesting Points

1. Cultural Captivity: Parker, though not Scottish, referred to himself as a "captive" of Scotland, won over by Rob Roy as a child. This metaphor beautifully illustrates the global reach of Scott’s influence.
2. Influence on the Empire: He vividly described finding Scott’s novels in boundary huts, forts, and islands across the British Empire—proving Scott’s moral and cultural impact on colonists, soldiers, and settlers.
3. Unifying Force: Parker credited Scott’s writings with helping to unify the British Isles and bring understanding between England, Scotland, and Ireland through a shared history and values.
4. Philosophy of Action: He repeatedly returned to the idea that Scott was a man of action—if not in physical form, then in spirit—and that action pulsed through his poetry and prose.
5. Champion of the Common Man: Scott was lauded for elevating the “rough and round men,” valuing everyday virtues over delicate affectations. Parker admired Scott’s humility, patriotism, and his refusal to retreat from society despite his intellectual gifts.
6. Personal Anecdote: The story of the tailor Bonthron is charming and poignant, showing how Scott's influence could bridge class divides and create personal bonds through shared cultural reverence.
7. Scott vs. Burns: While Parker held Robert Burns in the highest esteem, he positioned Scott as having the broader, more enduring global influence due to the range and depth of his work.
8. Enduring Relevance: The speech closes with a call for “greater and greater fame through endless years,” which feels like both prophecy and mission statement for the Club.

Download the [transcript] or read the [bulletin] 

Subsidiary Toasts Summary

The subsidiary toasts following the principal tribute to Sir Walter Scott added depth, warmth, and a touch of wit to the evening’s proceedings. Here is a brief overview:

1. The Imperial Forces
   Proposed by Mr R. Addison Smith and replied to by General Sir E. P. Leach, K.C.V.O., V.C., this toast addressed the uncertain future of the newly established Territorial Force. Sir Edward Leach praised Scotland, especially Edinburgh, for its enthusiastic response to Mr Haldane’s appeal for voluntary enlistment. He emphasised that with proper government support, the Force would be a lasting success.
2. Literature
   Proposed by Rev. L. McLean Watt, who declared that literature transcends social class and has replaced sermons as a primary moral guide. He argued that Sir Walter Scott, through literature, achieved more for Scotland than any legislation ever could, turning “the stream of London northward”.
3. In response, Mr W. Pett Ridge delivered a humorous and thoughtful speech. He reflected on the literary profession, praising the softening of critics' tone in modern times, and lamenting the difficulty of producing genuinely fresh material in fiction. He defended the moral intent behind idealised characters and celebrated Scott as a giant of letters with enduring global influence. His speech included a number of humorous anecdotes, including one about an author dodging politics by pointing out the six-month commitment—"supposing you were elected!".
4. The City of Edinburgh
   Proposed by Mr R. Scott Brown, this toast received a gracious reply from the Lord Provost, who noted the dinner was both his first public engagement on taking office and the last in his official capacity. He expressed pride in Edinburgh’s association with Scott and the Club.
5. Health of the Chairman
   Proposed by Sir George Douglas, this completed the formalities with a customary expression of thanks and goodwill.
6. Additional Details

• The menu card, designed by artist James Hay, featured a portrait of Sir Gilbert Parker on the front and a sketch of the Tweed near Abbotsford on the reverse, by T. Marjoribanks Hay.
• Music was provided by Mr Dambmann’s Band, and Mr George Campbell performed songs, rounding off the evening’s entertainment with artistry and charm.

Notable and Interesting Points

• Rev. Watt’s remark that Scott achieved what no Lord Advocate or Act of Parliament could—redirecting cultural attention from London to Scotland—is a powerful testament to Scott's literary nation-building.
• Pett Ridge’s wry humour, especially about the perils of literary invention and criticism, gives a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century literary self-awareness and modesty.
• The military toast highlights the ongoing transition of the British armed forces and Scotland’s patriotic engagement at a time of great imperial change.
• The inclusion of art and music shows the Club’s commitment to a rounded cultural evening—celebrating Scott with not just words, but also visual and musical tributes.

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