Download the [transcript] or read the [bulletin]

Summary of the Speech:

Opening & Personal Context:

• Kennedy begins with self-deprecating humour, comparing his modest qualifications to previous distinguished speakers like Lord Polwarth, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Lord Cameron, and Malcolm Muggeridge.
• He reminisces about his Edinburgh upbringing and strong family ties to the city and Scott’s legacy, including his grandfather Sir Ludovic Grant, who had chaired the club dinner exactly 63 years prior.

Genealogy & Personal Anecdotes:

• Offers a humorous and elaborate dive into his Scottish ancestry, tracing lineage to Christopher North (Professor John Wilson), Susan Ferrier, and even James II of Scotland.
• Jokes about the complexity of his family tree, calling it a “bush,” and recounts how Dr Laurence Lockhart (biographer and descendant of Scott’s son-in-law) married into his family.

Sandyknowe & Scott’s Inspiration:

• Paints a vivid picture of Smailholm Tower and Sandyknowe, the landscape where Scott’s imagination was first stirred.
• Emphasises Scott’s early physical struggles and his annual pilgrimages back to the tower.

Rebutting Misconceptions:

• Refutes two widespread myths:

1. That Scott’s works are unread today – citing library borrowings, ongoing academic studies worldwide, and personal anecdotes from experts like Dr James Corson.
2. That Scott was a gloomy man – instead portraying him as humorous, gregarious, and zestful, with stories illustrating his wit and love of life.

Anecdotes and Humour:

• Shares several humorous Scott-related tales:
• The Carlisle old lady expecting to be ravished by Highlanders.
• The farmer requesting remarriage banns before his wife was cold in her grave.
• The sharp exchange between Adam Smith and Dr Johnson over Hume’s death.
• Kennedy also shares stories of Scott’s absent-mindedness, such as misplacing Waverley for years.

Scott’s Relevance Today:

• Shifts to a more serious tone: urges reflection on what Scott still offers in the present.
• Argues that Scott helps reconnect us to national identity, culture, and history in a time of upheaval.
• Calls Scott not just a chronicler of the past but a philosopher and “great reconciler” who bridged personal and societal divisions.

Conclusion:

• Ends with a stirring appeal for unity and reconciliation in contemporary times, drawing inspiration from Scott’s example.
• Invites the audience to drink to Scott’s immortal name.

Interesting Points:

• Record Family Link: Kennedy highlights a rare generational continuity – both he and his grandfather chaired the dinner exactly 63 years apart.
• Comic Wit: His narrative style is full of charm, humour, and a sense of theatre, making this one of the most personal and lively toasts recorded.
• Genealogical Intrigue: His intricate family ties to key Scottish literary figures and to Scott himself add depth and fascination.
• Relevance & Reflection: Kennedy’s analysis of Scott’s enduring legacy in shaping Scottish identity and as a model of reconciliation remains timely and thoughtful.

Download the [transcript] or read the [bulletin]

Subsidiary Toasts

The toasts of “The Queen” and “The Royal Family” were duly honoured. 

Thereafter Mr Ewan G. F. Stewart, M.C., Q.C., proposed the Toast of “Her Majesty’s Forces” to which Vice-Admiral I. L. M. McGeoch, C.B., D.S.O., D.S.C., replied.

“The City of Edinburgh” was proposed by the Very Rev. The Lord MacLeod of Fuinary and Bailie Melville Dinwiddie replied.

Summer Excursion:

On Friday, 20th June 1969, 159 members of the Club and their guests were royally entertained by Mr and Mrs F. M. Collinson at a midsummer eve party at The Ley, Innerleithen. In the course of the evening Tom Fleming and George Bruce delighted the company with apt and entertaining readings and recitations.