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Summary of the Speech:

Major John Hay Beith opened with characteristic humility and wit, likening himself to a "light cruiser" following a fleet of “oratorical super-dreadnoughts.” He confessed he had planned to dedicate October to crafting his speech but was instead unexpectedly posted to the War Office, leaving little time for preparation.

Beith focused on Walter Scott primarily as a novelist, praising his phenomenal output and creative method. He described Scott’s prodigious writing habits, his speed and spontaneity, and his habit of following rather than leading his characters. This approach was contrasted with the meticulousness of Rudyard Kipling and the fast-paced productivity of Edgar Wallace. Beith voiced concern over modernist trends in literature, particularly unintelligibility, and defended intelligibility and craftsmanship, as exemplified by Scott.

Scott’s poetry was described as “Homeric,” brimming with action and martial spirit. Beith reflected on Scott’s alignment with heroism, chivalry, and the romance of the past—an antidote to the weary cynicism of some modern writing. He also remarked on Scott’s potential role in a contemporary military context, imagining him as a spirited leader or inspirational patriot during a time of national crisis.

Scott's humour, generosity, and humility were praised, particularly his refusal of the Laureateship in favour of Southey and his social grace. Beith recounted several anecdotes that revealed Scott’s light-hearted side, such as his playful reference to himself as “Snug the Joiner.”



Beith concluded by reflecting on Scott’s financial ruin and resilience, asserting that Scott's virtues—fortitude, loyalty, determination—shone brightest in adversity. He called Scott a "meteor" who "burned himself out to lighten the world," and closed with a toast to Scott’s immortal memory.

Notable Points and Insights:

• Tone and Style: Beith’s address is elegant, humorous, and deeply respectful, reflecting his experience both as a novelist and a public speaker.
• Historical Framing: Delivered in 1938, just before WWII, his comparisons between Scott’s spirit and modern needs for courage and inspiration are striking and prescient.
• Critique of Modernism: Beith gently criticises contemporary literary trends (likely referencing stream-of-consciousness writers) and defends clarity and plot in writing.
• Personal Anecdotes: His recollection of trying to teach Hugh Walpole physics is a charming aside.
• Unique Viewpoint: As a fellow novelist, Beith offers a craftsman’s view of Scott’s literary technique, valuing spontaneity and narrative freedom.
• Closing Metaphor: The comparison of Scott to a meteor that "lightened the world" is both poetic and memorable.

Download the [transcript] or read the [bulletin]

Subsidiary Toasts Summary

1. Toast to “The King” and “The Royal Family”

These loyal toasts were respectfully honoured as part of the traditional proceedings.

2. Toast to “The Imperial Forces” – Proposed by Major-General John Hay Beith

Key Themes:

• A tribute to the Navy, Army, and Air Force, with a special emphasis on the Royal Navy’s recent mobilisation, which Beith suggests may have prevented war with totalitarian regimes.
• Praise for the achievements of the Royal Air Force, notably a record-breaking flight from Egypt to Australia.
• Realistic but hopeful comments on Britain’s under-prepared ground defences, noting that rearmament was halfway through a five-year plan.
• Emphasis on improved conditions for Army recruits: better pay, housing, educational opportunities, and chances for advancement.

Interesting Point:
Beith spoke of a “blessing in disguise”—the recent international crisis—as a valuable “dress rehearsal” for Britain’s military readiness, underscoring the urgency of national defence.

Reply by Rear-Admiral E. C. O. Thomson

• The Navy had successfully mobilised during recent crises, allowing a rare real-time evaluation of shortages and readiness.
• He called for a strengthened Air Force to rival any in Europe.
• He acknowledged strong public support during the crisis and praised the President's new Army Council appointment.

Notable Insight:
Admiral Thomson affirmed the morale-boosting unity of the nation during the crisis and expressed satisfaction in the country’s spirit being behind the services.

3. Toast to “The City of Edinburgh” – Proposed by Professor William Wilson

Key Themes:

• A vivid childhood memory of a model at “Moss’s Carnival” depicting the destruction of Edinburgh, including the Scott Monument, which left a lasting impression.
• Reflections on modern aerial vulnerability and a tribute to the City’s resilience.
• Speculative musings on how Sir Walter Scott would respond to modern warfare—imagining him as a defender of honour, though finding little romance in mechanised conflict.
• A call for peace with honour—not appeasement—and admiration for Scotland’s memorials and traditions.

Quotable Line:
“Peace with honour, but not war without armaments.”

Interesting Point:
Wilson referenced a League of Nations proposal by Professor James Lorimer during the Franco-Prussian War, connecting past intellectual visionaries with post-WWI ideals.

Reply by The Right Honourable Henry Steele, Lord Provost

• Thanked the Club for its welcome and linked Scott’s legacy to civic pride.
• Affirmed the city’s preparedness, invoking the motto “Defence, not Defiance.”
• Spoke of maintaining Edinburgh’s traditions and heritage.

Memorable Quote:
“When perplexities keep pressing,
Till all hope is nearly gone;
We’ll just brittle up and grit our
Teeth, and keep on pressing on.”

4. Toast to “The Chairman” – Proposed by A. H. Ashcroft (Headmaster, Fettes College)

Key Themes:

• A warm and witty tribute to his former pupil, John Hay Beith, who had recently been promoted to Major-General.
• Drew parallels between Beith and Scott: both were soldierly in spirit, men of letters with generosity, humour, and humanity.
• Quoted Thackeray’s call for honour and truth in the writer’s role, praising Beith and Scott as knights of the pen.
• Acknowledged the loneliness of writing, especially for those who bring laughter, and reassured Beith of the Club’s admiration and friendship.

Interesting Point:
Ashcroft referred to characters created by Beith—Corporal Mucklewhame, Bobby Little, and Major Kemp—as enduring Scottish figures in literature.

General Note:

Music during the evening was provided by Mr J. W. Cowie (pianist) and Mr John McLeod (vocalist).

Overall Observations:

• The dinner balanced patriotism, literary reverence, civic pride, and gentle humour.
• There was a strong awareness of looming war, with military preparedness a dominant subtext.
• The speakers invoked Scott’s spirit not only as a literary genius but as a model of courage, public service, and national inspiration.

Download the [Subsidiary Toasts] to read in full.