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Summary of the Speech:

Lord Lytton began with humility, acknowledging the honour of proposing the toast and expressing admiration for previous speakers—eminent Scots with a deep cultural tie to Scott. Though English, he hoped to offer a meaningful tribute on behalf of Scott’s admirers south of the Tweed.

He recalled how, in his youth, Scott's works transformed his schooldays, bringing excitement and adventure into otherwise dull routines. He and a school friend competed to read the Waverley novels, often hiding the books and reading them clandestinely in class—a memory he shared with both humour and nostalgia.

Lytton positioned Scott not only as a national treasure of Scotland but as a central figure in a pan-European cultural transformation. He argued that Scott’s influence extended far beyond Britain, helping to ignite the Romantic Movement across Europe, reshaping literature, drama, music, and art. Scott, he claimed, broke from the rigid classical traditions of the 18th century, breathing new life into storytelling with imagination, emotional depth, and poetic spirit.

He praised Scott as a man whose humanity, idealism, and robust moral compass shone through in all his work. Unlike Byron, who sometimes sank into pessimism, Scott inspired courage, virtue, and warmth. He was, in Lytton’s view, a "writer of action" with the soul of a soldier—driven, industrious, and full of empathy.

Scott’s personal character was also celebrated. Lytton emphasised how Scott’s daily life—open to us through his journals and biographies—revealed a man of generosity, cheerfulness, and quiet heroism. His writing was not just inspired; it was industrious, prolific, and heartfelt. He shared the anecdote of Scott writing the last two Waverley novels in three weeks, spurred by what he called the “tramp of soldiers passing through his brain.”

Lytton concluded with a heartfelt observation: although Thomas Moore once said that only those who had seen Scott at Abbotsford could truly love him, we, thanks to biography and journal, can still visit him there in spirit—and perhaps even love him better.

He ended by inviting the room to drink, in silence, to “The Immortal Memory of Sir Walter Scott.”

Notable and Interesting Points:

1. Lytton’s Humility and Outsider Perspective: As an Englishman among Scots, he felt both honoured and unworthy—offering a unique vantage as a cross-border admirer of Scott.
2. Childhood Reading Anecdotes: His story of smuggling Waverley novels into class and reading under the desk adds a charming personal dimension and shows Scott's grip on young imaginations.
3. Scott’s Influence on European Romanticism:
4. Lytton linked Scott to major continental figures: Goethe, Schiller, Hugo, Dumas, Balzac, Berlioz, Delacroix, etc.
5. He described Scott as helping to overthrow literary and artistic classicism and inspire a continental movement of creativity and freedom.
6. "Education of the Heart": Lytton quoted Scott’s line—“everything is moonshine compared with the education of the heart”—as capturing the moral essence of Scott’s writing.
7. Human Warmth vs Literary Formalism:
8. Scott was said to stand apart from his contemporaries for his kindness, robust spirit, and emotional openness.
9. Compared to Byron’s “morbid pessimism,” Scott exuded cheer and enterprise.
10. Anecdote of Tireless Writing: Lockhart’s description of Scott writing page after page into the night is evocative, capturing his almost compulsive dedication.
11. Abbotsford as Symbol of Character: Lytton argued that Scott’s truest self was found at home, among his family, guests, dogs, and books—a man of hospitality and genuine affection.
12. Timeless Heroism: Lytton concluded that every generation will have its heroes, but Scott’s brightness would never dim.

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Subsidiary Toasts Summary

1. The Loyal Toasts
2. Proposed by Lord Lytton (Chairman) and cordially pledged by all present.
3. “The Services”
4. Proposed by Bailie Clark.
5. Responded to by Commander Thompson, who represented the armed forces.
6. “Literature”
7. Proposed by Professor W. P. Paterson, who spoke optimistically about the state of literature in Britain.
8. He viewed literature as a reflection of a nation's moral and intellectual greatness rather than a moulding force.
9. Britain, in his eyes, was living through one of the most interesting ages in history, rich with scientific discovery and moral ferment, from revolution to religion.
10. He believed great literature would follow naturally from such rich times.
11. Responded to by Professor Lodge, who:
12. Emphasised that history is a vital form of literature.
13. Praised Old Mortality as a masterful historical novel.
14. Expressed some concern about younger readers’ literary tastes, but found hope in the growing accessibility of quality reprints and their presence even in lending libraries.
15. “The City of Edinburgh”
16. Proposed by Sheriff M‘Lennan.
17. Responded to by Lord Provost Sir Robert Cranston, who:
18. Advocated for the founding of a national Art School in Edinburgh.
19. Suggested funding it with a tiny levy (a farthing per £ for 25 years), estimating a £40,000–£50,000 fund that could be matched by £100,000+ from the government.
20. Argued that although Edinburgh might not be the top commercial city, it could lead in Science, Art, and Literature.
21. “The Chairman” (Lord Lytton)
22. Proposed by Lord Dunedin, who:
23. Praised Lord Lytton’s contribution as guest speaker.
24. Revealed with wry humour that he had "saved the money" referred to in the Provost’s proposal (a nod to his earlier political post).
25. Quipped that Lord Lytton may have been chosen not just as an English admirer of Scott, but because Scots admired the name Lytton.
26. Chairman's Reply and Closing
27. Lord Lytton briefly acknowledged the toast to himself.
28. The evening concluded with warm applause.

Interesting Highlights:

• Forward-thinking civic pride: Cranston’s proposal for an Art School, funded by public subscription and government matching, shows a bold vision for cultural development in Edinburgh—a city already positioning itself as a leader in the arts.
• Literary optimism and cultural confidence: Both Professors Paterson and Lodge placed strong faith in the continuing excellence of British literature, while expressing concerns about the influence of “ephemeral” works on young readers. Lodge’s nuanced view—that reprints of classics were reaching the working classes—is a fascinating early comment on literary democratisation.
• Humour and warmth in the speeches: Lord Dunedin’s speech was full of charm—casual references to friendships, winks at political roles, and a deft blend of formality and banter.
• Musical and artistic embellishment: Mr Dambmann’s band and singer Alfred C. Young provided entertainment, while James Hay’s menu design (featuring Lord Lytton’s portrait and a cathedral sketch by T. Marjoribanks Hay) added elegance to the evening.

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