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Summary of the Speech:

Lord Stormonth Darling pays eloquent tribute to Sir Walter Scott, portraying him as both a literary giant and a noble character. He begins by acknowledging the challenge of speaking on such a revered figure, noting that Scott is one of the most thoroughly documented literary figures, thanks to Lockhart's biography and later the publication of Scott's Journal and Familiar Letters.

He praises Scott’s modesty, honour, and authenticity, suggesting that Scott’s life and character were consistent both publicly and privately. Scott had little regard for literary vanity and viewed heroic action as more admirable than literary acclaim.

The toast reflects on Scott’s literary gifts and legacy:

• His heroes may be modest or reluctant, but his characters are vivid, lifelike, and enduring.

• Scott’s creativity stemmed from two main sources: deep knowledge of historical and romantic literature, and keen observation of human nature across all social classes.

• His moral philosophy is woven into his stories not by preaching but through the actions and values of his characters—loyalty, courage, sacrifice, and honour.

Stormonth Darling also discusses Scott’s style, defending its clarity, energy, and naturalness against claims of lacking distinction. He sees Scott’s poetic imagination and prodigious output as hallmarks of his genius, even in everyday letters.



He concludes by asserting Scott’s immense cultural influence, likening it to Shakespeare’s. Scott helped shape the Victorian age's love of nature, history, and chivalry, and, importantly, shaped Scotland’s global reputation. The ultimate test of literary greatness, he argues, is this deep and lasting impact on civilisation—one that Scott indisputably passes.

Notable Points of Interest:

1. Deep personal connection: Stormonth Darling shares that he grew up near Smailholm Tower and studied at the same school Scott once did, adding heartfelt sincerity to his tribute.
2. Literary humility: Scott did not regard literary success as the pinnacle of life—he would have preferred to be a soldier. His modesty is likened to Wolfe’s wish to have authored Gray’s Elegy rather than conquered Quebec.
3. Vivid characterisation: Scott's characters, though not always heroic, are deeply human. Thackeray is quoted admiring their “manly bloom” and modesty.
4. Imagination and observation: Scott's genius is attributed equally to his immersive knowledge of ballads and history and his acute awareness of people across all classes.
5. Moral and social vision: His stories idealise a feudal world where leadership is based on duty to others—a subtle but powerful ethical message.
6. Literary influence: The speaker passionately argues that Scott’s influence permeates our intellectual and moral fabric, deeply shaping modern cultural identity, especially Scotland’s.
7. Memorable anecdote: Lord Beaconsfield (later PM Benjamin Disraeli) once described Scott’s immense generosity and intellect during a youthful visit—Scott treated him not as an unknown, but with warm hospitality and brilliance.

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Subsidiary Toasts Summary:

1. The Queen
2. Proposed by the Chairman in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year.
3. He imagined how Scott himself, with his deep sense of loyalty, would have rejoiced in the display of imperial unity seen on 22nd June 1897.
4. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Royal Family
5. Also proposed by the Chairman and heartily received by those present.
6. The Navy, Army, and Reserve Forces
7. Proposed by Mr Cox, M.P., who discussed the growing global tensions, especially in East Asia with Germany, Russia, and Britain asserting interests in Chinese ports.
8. He stressed the need for Britain to remain prepared and to “keep the cordite dry.”
9. Argued that the army, while efficient, needed expansion, and welcomed Lord Lansdowne’s recent remarks on this in Edinburgh.
10. Reply by General Chapman
11. Emphasised the strength of unity between navy and army, and called for improving soldiers’ career prospects to attract recruits.
12. Supported reforms to include the militia and yeomanry in broader defence considerations.
13. Literature
14. Toast proposed by Mr A. J. Balfour, M.P., to great acclaim.
15. Described literature as a civilising force and reflected on the central role of the novel in modern life, comparing its spread to other “necessities” like tobacco and the daily press.
16. Remarked on how Scott opened a new literary “vein”, with unmatched narrative scope across history, geography, and social classes.
17. Warned that modern fiction may suffer not from decay, but from a dearth of fresh subjects, and proposed that tracing character development over a lifetime could be a fertile but neglected literary pursuit.
18. Reply by Professor Masson
19. Argued that literature comprises not just novels or books, but the deepest human thoughts and feelings expressed in writing.
20. Defended literature's lasting influence, noting how it outlives wars, politics, and upheavals, and contributes the most enduring record of an era.
21. Praised Scott’s contributions as more valuable than the grand historical events of his time.
22. The City of Edinburgh
23. Proposed by Professor Paterson, highlighting Scott’s deep connection with Edinburgh and the city’s debt to him.
24. Reply by Lord Provost Mitchell Thomson
25. Advocated for the preservation of Edinburgh’s beauty, expressing strong opposition to electrical advertisements on the Old Town skyline.
26. Called for reform of building regulations, including action on unsightly Castle Rock buildings.
27. Promised support for a new concert hall (gift from Mr Andrew Usher) and improvements to municipal buildings.
28. The Chairman (Lord Stormonth-Darling)
29. Toasted by Mr H. T. Anstruther, M.P.
30. The Chairman humbly thanked the Club, noting how unusual it was for him to meet his fellow citizens outside the courtroom, and called it a special honour to serve as President.
31. Finale
32. Concluded with “Auld Lang Syne”, musical selections by Mr Dambmann’s band, and songs from Mr James Galloway.

Notable Points of Interest:

• Imperial sentiment was high, with Queen Victoria’s Jubilee and British global expansion (notably in China) providing contemporary political context.
• A significant concern was the militarisation of Asia and Britain's place in that, with frank discussions about military readiness.
• A. J. Balfour’s speech is philosophically rich, delving into the evolution and future of the novel with witty commentary about literary fatigue and originality.
• Professor Masson and Balfour together provided a dual vision of literature: one celebrating its human depth and endurance, the other analysing its creative dynamics.
• The Lord Provost’s remarks foreshadow the 20th century’s tension between urban development and heritage preservation—a battle still fought today.
• Lord Stormonth-Darling’s humility and humour, acknowledging that he usually met citizens “in the dock or witness-box,” humanised his role and added a personal touch to the event’s close.

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