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Summary of the Speech:

The Very Rev. Sir George Adam Smith expressed heartfelt thanks for being elected President, noting his personal and ancestral ties to Walter Scott through Dr Alexander Adam, Scott’s influential school rector.

He reminisced about Scott’s presence in his schoolboy imagination, recounting humorous memories and emphasising Scott's vivid legacy in Edinburgh’s landscape and lore. Scott, he argued, profoundly shaped the moral, imaginative, and cultural life of 19th-century Britain, rivalled only by Carlyle.

Smith praised Scott’s contributions to literature, particularly his revival of minstrelsy, the historical novel, and his influence on European romance. Scott was credited with uniting Scotland’s regions and classes, promoting a tolerant moral vision, and making literature accessible to the masses.

He defended Scott against common criticisms—such as slovenly grammar, deferential treatment of aristocracy, and caricatures of Presbyterians—by highlighting Scott’s “regal carelessness,” fairness, and affection for ordinary folk. Most of Scott’s beloved characters, he stressed, were commoners, not nobles.

Smith cited Goethe’s admiration for Scott’s narrative skill, especially in The Fair Maid of Perth and Waverley, and noted Scott’s fairness in portraying both Christian and Saracen characters in The Talisman. He called The Talisman underrated, rich in vivid scenes, moral depth, and character, particularly in its portraits of Richard the Lionheart and Sir Thomas de Moulton.

Smith concluded by asserting Scott’s enduring significance, quoting Tennyson and predicting that, like Shakespeare, Scott’s reputation would endure and revive beyond any temporary critical neglect.

Notable and Interesting Points:

1. Personal connection: Smith was a great-grand-nephew of Dr Alexander Adam, Scott’s rector—giving his tribute a heartfelt, familial quality.
2. Wamba anecdote: A humorous schoolboy memory of blurting out “Wamba” in Latin class (Scott’s jester character), which became his nickname—a vivid example of Scott’s influence on young imaginations.
3. Praise from Goethe: Citing Goethe’s admiration added weight to Scott’s international literary stature. Goethe praised Waverley and The Fair Maid of Perth as world-class works.
4. “Regal carelessness”: An elegant defence of Scott’s grammatical laxity—his style swept readers along with force and sincerity, rather than precision.
5. Defence against snobbery: Smith challenged the idea that Scott unduly favoured the aristocracy, showing instead his deep sympathy for ordinary folk like Meg Merrilies, Caleb Balderstone, Jeanie Deans, and Richie Moniplies.
6. Insight on The Talisman: Smith revived interest in this lesser-studied novel, especially for its vibrant depiction of the Crusades, its moral depth, and the humanity of both Christian and Muslim characters.
7. Critique of critics: Smith took aim at Carlyle, Leslie Stephen, and others who tried to diminish Scott’s achievements—arguing that time would vindicate Scott’s genius.

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Subsidiary Toasts Summary

1. “The King” and “The Royal Family” were toasted as per tradition.
2. “The Imperial Forces”
   Proposed by Mr J. C. Watson, K.C. (Solicitor-General) and replied to by Rear-Admiral T. J. Hallett, C.B.E.
   Hallett reflected candidly on the decline of Britain's naval might since the Great War. The fleet, once 50 battleships strong, now had just 14. He supported disarmament efforts but insisted on maintaining naval efficiency, citing the unpredictable future of peace.
3. “The City of Edinburgh”
   Proposed by the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, who praised Edinburgh’s reputation for good governance and cultural leadership.
   Replied to by the Lord Provost, who creatively connected Scott’s literary depictions of Edinburgh’s historical transport with modern challenges in town planning. He used Scott’s The Antiquary and The Heart of Midlothian to illustrate changes from stagecoaches to modern motorcars, emphasising how urban planning must now adapt to rapid changes. He subtly raised awareness of road safety and hinted at the growing demand on hospitals like the Royal Infirmary.
4. “The Chairman” (Sir George Adam Smith)
   Proposed by The Honourable Lord St Vigeans in a witty, admiring speech full of literary references. He praised Sir George’s eloquence, knowledge, and love for Scott, likening him to a crusader with a pen rather than a sword.
   He highlighted Sir George’s expertise on Palestine, noting how his scholarship had indirectly aided General Allenby’s campaign during WWI. The toast included poetic tributes from Scott’s and Chaucer’s works, and the remark that Sir George combined scholarly wisdom with knightly zeal.

Notable & Interesting Points:

• Candid Naval Commentary: Rear-Admiral Hallett’s open acknowledgment of the British fleet’s reduction was a striking moment, offering rare transparency. His support for disarmament, tempered by a call for naval readiness, echoed global interwar tensions.
• Scott as Urban Planning Muse: The Lord Provost’s linking of 19th-century fictional coach accidents to modern-day traffic woes was both amusing and insightful, showing how Scott’s works still resonate with civic issues.
• Humour and Humanity in the Tributes:
• Lord St Vigeans’ light-hearted remark about a churchgoer saying, “Noo that George Adam Smith has left the town, ye’ll jist hae to worship God,” is a classic Aberdeen quip showing affection beneath the jest.
• Another gem: Sir George’s fear of approaching a golf bunker “as if it were the pit of Tophet”—a relatable human flaw nestled within lofty praise.
• Literary Homage: References to Chaucer's Pilgrim’s Progress and Scott’s Marmion, and The Heart of Midlothian enriched the tone. The final image of Edinburgh as “The City of Dreams” beloved by Burns, Stevenson, and most passionately by Scott himself, provided a poignant close.
• Art and Music also featured: A portrait of the President adorned the menu card, with artwork by R. Gemmell-Hutchison, and musical performances were delivered by Miss Margaret Stewart and Mr Philip Malcolm, with Mr J. W. Cowie as accompanist.

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