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Summary of the Speech:

The Marquess opened by explaining he had delayed his speech for a year due to his heavy duties with the Indian Constitutional Reform Committee, but that rereading Scott's works was a pleasure even amidst his busy schedule. He celebrated Sir Walter Scott as a literary genius who revolutionised the novel, whose works continue to feel more vivid and real than everyday life even a century after their publication. He recalled reading Quentin Durward during trench warfare in 1915, where Scott's storytelling offered an escape from grim reality.

The Marquess stressed Scott's profound impact on Scotland’s national identity. Without Scott, Scotland’s image would be far duller, both nationally and internationally. Even Scots who never read Scott are influenced by his shaping of Scottish culture. He urged the younger generation to read both Scott’s poetry and novels, dismissing critics who undervalue his poetry’s emotional and narrative power. He encouraged readers to read Scott’s poetry aloud to appreciate its full force.

He compared Scott’s poetry to Byron’s, noting that Scott’s verse is vivid and action-packed, favouring narrative drive over musical subtlety. He acknowledged that while Scott’s major poems may not achieve the lyrical depth of other poets, his snatches of song within the novels often revealed deep poetic feeling.

The Marquess praised Scott's enormous contribution: his novels brought romantic qualities into prose fiction and deeply influenced how history and contemporary life were depicted in literature. He argued that Scott’s storytelling energy was more important than absolute historical accuracy.

He ended by sharing charming anecdotes from newly rediscovered letters by Scott to Lady Louisa Stuart, including Scott’s childhood experiences at Sandyknowe and his early exposure to old soldiers’ tales. These revealed Scott’s lifelong passion for storytelling. The Marquess concluded by hailing Scott as a national healer who restored Scotland’s pride and identity during a time of national gloom, and praised him as a great gentleman who lived by his principles.

Interesting Points:

• Scott’s influence on Scottish identity: The Marquess said no child born in Scotland in the past century had been untouched by Scott’s cultural influence, even if they hadn’t read him directly.
• Scott as a wartime comfort: He described how Scott’s novels, especially Quentin Durward, provided mental relief during the horrors of trench warfare in World War I.
• Critique of modern fiction: He lightly mocked contemporary novels for their obsession with psychological "complexes" and inhibitions, contrasting them with Scott’s straightforward storytelling.
• Rediscovered letters: The Marquess mentioned handling original letters from Scott to Lady Louisa Stuart, offering vivid insights into Scott’s early life and attitudes.
• Personal childhood stories: He shared "Tibby Hunter’s" memories of Scott’s childhood at Sandyknowe, depicting Scott as a lively, story-loving boy fond of the farm animals and the rugged countryside.

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Subsidiary Toasts Summary

• “The King” and “The Royal Family” toasts were formally honoured.
• Lord St Vigeans proposed the toast to “The Imperial Forces”, paying tribute to the armed services’ loyalty, sacrifice, and historic traditions. He linked their spirit to the Declaration of Arbroath (1320) and praised Sir Walter Scott’s own soldierly spirit. He especially highlighted the presence of Lieut.-Gen. Sir Archibald Cameron at the dinner.
• Lieut.-Gen. Sir Archibald Cameron replied by assuring that although the Army was small and financially strained compared to the Navy and Air Force, it was highly efficient and proud of its peacekeeping role. He stressed the importance of the Territorial Army, especially in case of future conflict, and urged support for those serving.
• Dr James C. Smith proposed the toast to “The City of Edinburgh”, praising Edinburgh as the "heart of Scotland"—more beautiful even than Athens or Florence. He evoked its historic significance, literary associations (especially with Scott), and emotional meaning to Scots at home and abroad.
• The Lord Provost, Sir William Thomson, replied, emphasising Edinburgh’s importance to Scott's life and legacy, acknowledging the city's massive changes since Scott's day, but asserting that Scott would still admire its spirit and progress.
• Lord St Vigeans proposed the toast to “The Marquess of Linlithgow”, thanking him for his major speech despite his huge responsibilities drafting India's constitutional reforms. He praised the Marquess’s deep understanding of Scott’s character and literary contributions.
• The Marquess of Linlithgow replied warmly, thanking the Club for the invitation and Lord St Vigeans for stepping in as speaker the previous year.
• Dr H. W. Meikle proposed the toast to “The Chairman” (Lord St Vigeans), praising his devotion to Sir Walter Scott, his success as Chairman of the Scottish Land Court, and his sympathy and fairness (likened to Scott himself). He quoted Guy Mannering on the value of knowledge to lawyers.
• Lord St Vigeans gave a brief reply.
• Entertainment: Mr Robert Burnett provided songs, accompanied by Mr J. W. Cowie.

Interesting Points:

• The Declaration of Arbroath was referenced to stress enduring Scottish patriotism.
• The Territorial Army was seen as a vital but underappreciated backbone of national defence.
• Edinburgh was called “the heart of Scotland” and compared favourably to cities like Athens and Florence.
• The Marquess of Linlithgow had just helped draft major reforms for India but still prioritised honouring Scott.
• A humorous jab at critics of Scott: if young people today can't appreciate Scott, “God help them” (a reference to an 1896 speech).
• Lord St Vigeans was praised not just for his literary enthusiasm but for his reputation as a beloved and fair judge in rural Scotland.

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