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

Summary of the Speech:

A.N. Wilson delivered an insightful and engaging speech that focused not just on Scott’s literary genius but on his political and economic views, particularly in relation to Scotland’s national identity and financial autonomy.

Scott’s Scottish Identity & Concerns for Scotland’s Future

• Wilson noted Scott’s deep pride in Scotland and his concerns over its increasing anglicisation.
• Scott feared that political and economic changes, particularly those coming from Westminster, were eroding Scotland’s distinctiveness.

The 1825-26 Banking Crisis & Scott’s Intervention

• A major economic collapse in London led to financial instability, with Westminster planning restrictions on banking, including in Scotland.
• Scott, despite being personally in financial ruin at the time, opposed these restrictions, fearing they would harm Scotland’s economy.
• He wrote a series of influential letters under the pseudonym Malachi Malagrowther, arguing against imposing English banking laws on Scotland.
• His efforts contributed to Scotland retaining its independent banking system, which is why Scottish banks still issue their own banknotes today (ironically, with Scott’s face on them).

Scott’s Views on Political & Social Change

• Despite being a Tory, Scott was deeply committed to Scottish independence in various aspects, including law, commerce, and national identity.
• He opposed reforms that he felt undermined Scotland’s traditions and institutions, leading to a famous emotional moment where he wept after a debate with Lord Jeffrey and Lord Cockburn.
• He believed the economic success of Scotland was due to its unique banking system and local autonomy, and he warned against over-centralisation from London.

Scott’s Contradictions & Legacy

• Scott had mixed feelings about Scotland’s development: he lamented the loss of traditional Scottish culture but also celebrated the country’s increasing prosperity.
• Wilson dismissed the view that Scott merely romanticised the Highlands for pageantry. Instead, he saw Scott as deeply engaged in practical issues affecting Scotland, particularly the struggles of Highlanders.
• While some critics accused Scott of creating a "tartan shortbread tin" version of Scotland, Wilson argued that Scott was a genuine advocate for his country’s well-being.

Scott’s Fears for the Future & Relevance Today

• Scott believed that societies needed to respect their history and institutions to remain cohesive.
• He feared that without this respect, Scotland would become an "English province" with its unique identity lost.
• Wilson noted that Scott’s concerns about Scotland’s independence and the relationship with England were still relevant, particularly given the ongoing political debates about Scottish self-governance.

A Final Tribute to Scott

• Wilson concluded by celebrating Scott not only as a great writer but as a proud Scotsman and a defender of Scottish identity.
• He reminded the audience that Scott’s works still speak to us today and that his love for Scotland, despite his fears, remained unwavering.

Notable & Interesting Points:

• Scott’s Face on Banknotes: The reason Scott appears on Scottish banknotes today is directly linked to his role in preserving Scotland’s banking autonomy.
• Scott’s Emotional Connection to Scotland: His moment of breaking into tears while debating with Jeffrey and Cockburn shows how deeply he felt about Scotland’s fate.
• Scott as a Political Figure: While best known for his literature, Scott had real political influence, particularly through his Malachi Malagrowther letters.
• The Contrast Between Scott & Reformers: Wilson highlighted the divide between Scott’s belief in preserving history and the Whig reformers' desire for modernisation.
• Scott’s Influence on Scottish Identity: Despite criticism that he romanticised Scotland, Wilson argued that Scott had a genuine concern for its people, particularly those in the Highlands.

Conclusion:

Wilson’s speech was a passionate tribute to Scott, not just as a novelist and poet but as a statesman, economist, and advocate for Scottish identity. His intervention in the 1826 banking crisis remains one of his most tangible contributions to Scotland, proving that he was not just a creator of historical fiction but also a defender of Scotland’s economic and cultural independence.

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