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

Summary of the Speech:

The Toast to Sir Walter Scott by Tom Fleming presents a vivid tribute to the complex life and enduring legacy of Sir Walter Scott. Here’s a summary with notable insights:

Fleming begins by humorously acknowledging the challenge of following esteemed predecessors and the paradox of Scott’s legacy. While Scott is celebrated as a literary monument, his life was far more nuanced than his iconic status. Fleming reflects on Scott’s early life, touching on his childhood struggles with polio, education in Edinburgh, and his formative experiences in the Borders. His early interests in literature, theatre, and history shaped his future works.

Scott’s literary journey is traced from his early work with ballads to his eventual fame with the Waverley Novels, which revolutionized Scottish and English literature. His novels became popular in their time, akin to modern-day soap operas. The speech also highlights Scott’s deep connection to his homeland, his resilience through personal tragedies, and his contributions to Scottish identity, including his role in reviving the Scottish crown jewels and influencing cultural perceptions of Scotland.

Fleming emphasizes Scott’s personality—his stoicism, love for storytelling, and complex relationships with family and country. His later life, including his financial difficulties and efforts to preserve his beloved Abbotsford estate, is painted with a sense of both admiration and understanding of the sacrifices Scott made. Fleming concludes with an emotional reflection on Scott’s connection to Scotland and his enduring cultural impact.

Notable Points:

1. Scott's Early Struggles: His childhood illness (polio) and the difficulties it caused shaped his character and determination. His early exposure to literature and history, especially through his time in the Borders, played a significant role in his future literary career.
2. The Waverley Novels’ Success: These novels were revolutionary in their time, both in content and how they were received by the public. The novels captivated readers and were adapted into theatre productions shortly after their publication.
3. Cultural and National Impact: Scott’s work not only popularized Scottish history and folklore but also had a lasting effect on Scotland's cultural identity. His role in the rediscovery of the Honours of Scotland and his influence on national pride during King George IV’s visit in 1822 were pivotal moments in Scottish history.
4. Scott’s Personal Life: Scott’s personal life was marked by emotional turmoil, particularly his unrequited love and eventual marriage to Charlotte Charpentier. He also faced financial ruin due to bad investments but worked tirelessly to repay his debts, including those related to his writing career and Abbotsford estate.
5. Enduring Legacy: Fleming closes by reflecting on Scott’s continued influence, both in Scotland and internationally. His works remain relevant, and his image is celebrated worldwide, even though his life was filled with struggles and contradictions.



The speech offers a rich narrative of Scott’s life, focusing on his literary achievements, personal complexities, and his deep connection to Scotland, ultimately honouring him as a figure of national and global importance.

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

Tom Fleming on [wikipedia]