2005: James Robertson

2005

Our President in 2005/6 was:

James Robertson

He proposed the Toast to Sir Walter at our 97th Annual Dinner on Friday 3rd March 2006 in The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

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

Summary of the Speech:

He focused on reviving interest in Sir Walter Scott’s works, particularly his novels, and reassessing Scott’s cultural and literary legacy in modern Scotland.

Declining Recognition of Scott

Robertson questioned why Scott is not as widely celebrated today as he was in the past.
Unlike Burns, who is commemorated with annual events and personal affection, Scott is largely forgotten beyond place names and monuments.

2. Scott’s Once Immense Popularity

Scott was revered in his time, both in Scotland and internationally.
His influence was likened to that of a leader securing national identity, helping Scots define themselves within the British Empire.
His declaration as the "Great Unknown" at a Theatrical Fund dinner in 1827 was met with national admiration.

3. Why Scott’s Popularity Declined

He was seen as a figure of the British establishment, associated with privilege and empire.
His Tory politics and affinity for aristocracy distanced him from democratic ideals.
Scottish intellectuals (e.g., Hugh MacDiarmid) saw him as a symbol of sentimental "tartan romanticism," which they believed hindered Scotland’s political progress.
English critics dismissed his novels as lacking artistic merit, reducing him to a mere storyteller of adventure tales.

4. Scott’s Relevance Today

Robertson argued that Scott’s works should not be viewed as relics of the past but as narratives that explore change, identity, and national transformation.
His novels are not just romanticized history but provide a nuanced view of Scotland’s evolution.
The themes of cultural encounters and shifting national identity are particularly relevant today.

5. Proposed Ways to Revive Scott

A high-quality film or TV adaptation (like BBC’s Bleak House) could renew interest, with The Heart of Midlothian suggested as a prime candidate.
The UNESCO City of Literature designation should highlight Scott’s contributions more prominently.
Abbotsford, Scott’s home, should play a larger role in Scotland’s literary tourism.
Detaching Scott from an "elitist" image would make him more accessible to modern audiences.
His fiction should be appreciated as serious, adult literature rather than outdated stories for adolescents.
His Journal, documenting his final years and financial struggles, could be an inspiration for modern readers.

6. Closing Tribute to Scott

Scott's novels contain timeless insights into society, politics, and human nature.
His influence on Scotland’s identity remains profound, and his work should be recognized as an opportunity rather than a burden.
The toast concluded with a call to celebrate Scott’s legacy and his enduring impact on Scottish culture.

Interesting Points from the Speech

Comparison to Robert Burns: Robertson noted that while Burns is beloved by Scots, Scott is often seen as distant and establishment-aligned, despite his profound impact on national identity.
Scott’s Role in the Union: His work helped Scots feel Scottish while remaining part of the UK, but this became problematic as sentiments shifted toward independence.
Cultural Criticism: Scott was blamed for creating a "romanticized" vision of Scotland that intellectuals saw as an obstacle to modern nationalism.
Media Adaptations: Robertson strongly advocated for a Bleak House-style adaptation to bring Scott back into mainstream attention.
Scott’s Journal as a Masterpiece: Robertson highlighted Scott’s Journal as one of his greatest works, depicting resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, James Robertson's toast was a passionate and intellectual call to restore Scott to his rightful place in Scottish literature and culture, emphasizing his continued relevance in shaping Scotland’s identity.

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

James Robertson was born in Sevenoaks, Kent in 1958, and grew up in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire from the age of six. He was educated at Glenalmond College before studying history at Edinburgh University. He later returned to Edinburgh to write a PhD thesis on ‘The Construction and Expression of Scottish Patriotism in the Works of Walter Scott’. He worked in various jobs, including bookselling, before becoming a full-time writer. His first book of short stories was published in 1991, and since then he has published more than sixty books and pamphlets, among them three further collections of stories, seven novels, poetry pamphlets, works of non-fiction and - through the Itchy Coo imprint, which he co-founded in 2002 - many books in Scots for young readers. His novel News of the Dead was awarded the Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction in 2022.

From 1993 to 1995 he was writer-in-residence at Brownsbank Cottage, the former home of Hugh MacDiarmid, near Biggar in Lanarkshire. He holds honorary doctorates from the Open University and Stirling University, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

2005

James Robertson

Summary of the Speech:

Interesting Points from the Speech

Image source: Lee Live: Photographer, 2019