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Summary of the Speech:

Sir John Thomson’s toast is an intellectually rich reflection on Sir Walter Scott’s decision to remain anonymous as the author of Waverley from its publication in 1814 until his public disclosure in 1827. The address blends personal anecdotes, historical insight, and literary analysis.

Key themes and highlights:

1. Family & Historical Connections:
2. Thomson discovered a copy of his grandfather George Adam Smith’s 1930 address to the Club, noting their shared connection to Scott through Dr Alexander Adam (Scott’s schoolmaster).
3. He emphasises the interconnectedness of Scottish society and the enduring cultural legacy of Scott’s work.
4. The Anonymity of the Author of Waverley:
5. Scott’s anonymity was originally motivated by prudence—he was already a celebrated poet and didn’t want to risk his reputation with an unproven novel.
6. He retained the incognito partly due to the fun of the mystery, superstition, and practical benefits such as avoiding public pressures and potentially boosting sales.
7. The eventual unmasking in 1827 at a Theatrical Fund Dinner was unplanned but inevitable, as too many people knew the secret, and Scott’s financial ruin demanded full transparency.
8. Scott’s Role as a Political Reconciler:
9. Thomson argues that Scott subtly promoted a unified British identity while remaining a proud Scot. His novels helped reconcile tensions between:
10. Highland and Lowland Scots,
11. Hanoverians and Jacobites,
12. Scots and English,
13. Protestantism and Catholicism.
14. Scott was dubbed “The Great Reconciler,” using fiction to build empathy across political and cultural divides.
15. The anonymous nature of Waverley encouraged speculation about the author’s identity, which, in turn, diffused political or regional bias in its interpretation.
16. Humour and Literary Gamesmanship:
17. Scott enjoyed the elaborate secrecy, even participating (anonymously) in reviews of his own work.
18. Thomson suggests Scott contributed slyly to Lord Kinedder’s critiques, playfully mocking his own narrative structure.
19. Scott’s Influence and Legacy:
20. Thomson highlights Scott’s massive readership and persuasive personality.
21. Quoting Byron, he closes with a tribute to Scott as a profoundly honourable man whose personal integrity matched his literary genius.

Interesting Points:

• Scott’s admission of authorship occurred after a theatrical dinner in 1827, triggered by Lord Meadowbank. It was met with a dramatic, poetic toast and thunderous applause.
• Scott’s original Waverley manuscript was forgotten in an attic for nine years and rediscovered while looking for fishing tackle.
• The reference to “non sum qualis eram” (Horace’s phrase, “I am not as I once was”) reflects Scott’s physical and emotional decline by 1827.
• Thomson's toast includes a pointed reminder to the SNP (Scott National Party) that Scott celebrated both Scottish identity and British unionism.
• There’s a subtle critique of modern press coverage and a nostalgic glance at 1930s Edinburgh dinner culture.

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Subsidiary Toasts Summary:

The evening was marked by a mixture of fond remembrance, civic reflection, historical insight, and light-hearted humour.

1. Opening & Grace:
2. The Chairman (Sheriff Gordon Shiach) warmly welcomed Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott, who had recently lost her sister, Patricia Maxwell-Scott. Her presence was described as symbolising continuity into a new era.
3. The Grace acknowledged Sir Walter Scott’s legacy and expressed gratitude for his inspiration.
4. Chairman’s Toast to the Queen:
5. A loyal toast was offered: “The Queen, God bless her.”
6. Toast to the City of Edinburgh (Chairman):
7. Celebrated the long connection between Scott and Edinburgh, referencing his orchestration of George IV’s 1822 visit.
8. Drew a parallel between that historic moment and the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
9. Reply (Mr. Herbert Coutts):
10. Coutts, standing in for Councillor Steve Cardownie, reflected on Scott’s literary ties to Edinburgh and personal anecdotes including guiding the Emperor of Japan around the Writers' Museum.
11. Shared the creation of Makars’ Court, where Scott was rightly honoured.
12. Toast to the Court of Session (Sheriff Nigel Thomson):
13. A witty and informative overview of the Court’s history since 1532.
14. Used humorous contrasts between Scottish and American political idioms (“RUN for Congress” vs “STAND for Parliament” vs “SIT in the Court of Session”).
15. Recounted Scott’s long service as a Principal Clerk and anecdotes about court life, including a judge’s comically unhelpful jury charge.
16. Celebrated recent progress on gender inclusion, mentioning Lady Cosgrove and recalling a humorous exchange between her and Nicky Fairbairn.
17. Reply to Court of Session Toast (Lord Cullen):
18. Reflected on how Scott might view the modern Court.
19. Shared vivid stories of Scott’s legal career and dislike of legal formalities.
20. Recounted colourful characters and comic episodes from Scott’s novels and judicial satire.
21. Concluded with stories of Scott’s role in the 1822 royal banquet and legal practices now defunct (e.g. sheep’s heid now classed as "specified risk material").
22. Vote of Thanks (Dr. Tom Johnston):
23. Delivered with naval humour, including a story about officer evaluations (“to my satisfaction” vs “to my entire satisfaction”).
24. Praised the President’s speech, drawing parallels between Scott and the Foreign Service.
25. Final Remarks (Chairman):
26. Expressed appreciation to those behind the scenes: Mrs. Christie, Mrs. Forsyth, Dr. Derek Mills, Fraser Elgin, and the Hon. Secretary.
27. Thanked the Balmoral staff.
28. Looked ahead to the next year’s gathering, emphasising the Club’s ongoing dedication to Scott’s memory.

Interesting Points:

• Humour and Humanity: The evening balanced gravitas with laughter – the exchange between Lady Cosgrove and Nicky Fairbairn, the fictional Court of Session verses, and Lord Sands’ elegant mockery of the House of Lords are memorable.
• Political Context: The speeches made thoughtful reference to the newly restored Scottish Parliament in 1999, linking it to Scott’s 1822 pageantry for George IV.
• Gender Progress: The speech noted major strides since 1873 when women were barred from legal education, with a celebratory tone around Lady Cosgrove’s presence on the bench.
• Scott’s Legal Career: Rich anecdotes and direct quotations from Scott brought his legal experiences vividly to life, including his humorous detachment and use of the court as writing time.
• Cultural Continuity: The creation of Makars’ Court, including Walter Scott among Scotland’s literary greats, marked a symbolic and physical honouring of legacy.
• Food & Regulation: A comic note about Scott’s menu choices (haggis and sheep’s heid) being out of bounds under modern food safety laws (SRM 1997) was an unexpected delight.

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