Read the text of her address here: [transcript] >  [bulletin]

Summary of the Speech:

Dorothy Dunnett’s speech was a rich and engaging tribute to Scott, blending personal anecdotes, reflections on the craft of historical fiction, and insights into Scott’s life and work.

1. Personal Connection to Scott
   Dunnett began by recounting her own ties to Scott, from winning a Scott Club essay prize in 1938 to her work as a historical novelist. She humorously shared experiences such as painting the Scottish Regalia in Edinburgh Castle and conducting portraits in Raeburn’s studio.
2. Scott as a Writer and Researcher
   She highlighted Scott’s disciplined work ethic, rising at 5 am to write and completing novels at an astonishing pace. She admired his vast knowledge, facilitated by his legal and literary background, extensive reading, and multilingual skills, which allowed him to access diverse sources.
3. Scott’s Home and Personal Life
   Dunnett paid tribute to Scott’s wife, Charlotte, emphasizing her role in managing Abbotsford and supporting Scott’s career. She described the constant stream of guests and how Scott’s social and professional life provided rich material for his writing.
4. The Practicalities of Writing Historical Fiction
   She discussed the challenges Scott faced—lack of modern conveniences like word processors, reliance on handwriting, and needing to rely on memory and meticulous research. Despite these, he maintained an extraordinary output.
5. Scott’s Research Methods
   Dunnett explored how Scott used books, libraries, travel, and personal experiences to inform his historical settings. He often visited locations for inspiration, stockpiled information, and relied on friends and publishers for research materials.
6. Editorial and Publishing Processes
   She detailed Scott’s relationship with his editors and publishers, including James Ballantyne’s influence on his manuscripts. She compared Scott’s process—sending pages daily to be typeset—to modern publishing, where technology has transformed editing but also erased visible records of revisions.
7. Scott’s Influence and Legacy
   Dunnett concluded by reflecting on Scott’s enduring appeal. She believed his work remained relevant and that new generations of readers were rediscovering his novels. She expressed confidence that Scott, if alive today, would still captivate audiences with his historical fiction.
8. Final Toast
   Dunnett closed by inviting the audience to stand and raise a toast to Scott, celebrating his memory and literary legacy.

Notable & Interesting Points

• Dunnett’s Humorous and Personal Approach: She wove her own experiences as a writer into her speech, making it relatable and lively.
• Emphasis on Scott’s Work Ethic: Rising early, writing at speed, and producing up to 30 printed pages a day.
• Scott’s Memory and Multilingual Skills: His ability to recall vast amounts of information and his proficiency in several languages aided his research.
• Comparison to Modern Writers: She contrasted Scott’s rigorous manual process with modern word processing and publishing tools.
• Scott’s Wife, Charlotte: Often overlooked, but essential to his success.
• Scott’s Practical Approach to Research: His ability to absorb history and incorporate it into storytelling with accuracy and imagination.
• The Role of Editors and Publishers: How Scott navigated editorial suggestions and market expectations.
• Scott’s Influence on Tourism and Popular Culture: Just as his work inspired readers to visit Scotland, modern novels still shape perceptions of historical locations.

This toast was more than a tribute—it was an insightful reflection on the craft of historical fiction, making Scott’s work feel vibrant and relevant to both readers and writers. 

Read the text of her address here: [transcript] >  [bulletin]