Summary of the Speech:

His Grace's speech pays tribute to Sir Walter Scott's legacy, weaving personal anecdotes and historical reflections.

The Duke begins with gratitude for his role as President at the Centenary Dinner, reflecting on the deep familial connections between the Buccleuch family and Sir Walter Scott. He highlights Scott's ties to the Scottish Borders, particularly his relationship with the Duke's ancestors, and discusses Scott’s lasting influence on the region, from his role in promoting tourism to his social contributions.

The Duke contrasts Scott with Robert Burns, noting Scott’s reduced profile in modern times despite his profound influence. He also touches on Scott’s personal character, noting his flaws and humanity. The Duke shares letters and personal reflections that reveal Scott’s down-to-earth nature, his commitment to the community, and his genuine concern for his friends and the welfare of others.

A significant portion of the speech emphasizes Scott’s devotion to his estate, Abbotsford, and the preservation of his legacy. The Duke draws attention to the ongoing efforts to preserve Abbotsford, stressing the importance of supporting this endeavour. He ends with a quote from The Lay of the Last Minstrel, underlining the enduring value of love, community, and remembrance.

Key Points of Interest:

1. Personal Connection: The Duke emphasizes his personal and familial ties to Scott, particularly the friendship between the Buccleuch family and Scott, including anecdotes of their correspondence.
2. Scott’s Complexity: The Duke acknowledges Scott’s imperfections, mentioning critiques from contemporaries like James Hogg, but ultimately celebrates his humanity and contributions. Scott’s "social justice" and compassion, particularly in his writings, are highlighted as key elements of his legacy.
3. The 1813 Poet Laureateship Incident: A surprising anecdote about Scott's reaction to being offered the Poet Laureateship in 1813. Scott, preferring independence, declined the offer, a testament to his reluctance to conform to officialdom.
4. Abbotsford’s Preservation: The Duke strongly advocates for preserving Abbotsford as part of Scott's legacy. He stresses the importance of public support for the property’s upkeep, particularly in light of the upcoming 250th anniversary of Scott’s birth.
5. The Lay of the Last Minstrel: The Duke concludes with a passage from Scott's The Lay of the Last Minstrel, offering a poetic reflection on love, community, and the connections that bind people together. This reinforces the themes of the evening—community and remembering Scott’s impact on Scottish heritage.



This speech combines both personal anecdotes and reflections on Scott’s lasting influence, making it a heartfelt tribute to one of Scotland's most iconic figures. The call to support Abbotsford and remember Scott’s contributions to Scottish society is central to the message.

Read the text of his address here > [transcript] or the entire proceedings of the event here > [bulletin]

HRH Princess Anne proposed the Toast to the Club:

HRH in proposing the toast to The Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club reminded members of the First Dinner and had wondered why if it took place in 1894 this was only the hundredth dinner; she then realised the interruptions caused by 2 world wars. She reminded members of the debt due to Fraser Elgin and Bernard Brown for giving the club a new lease of  life in the 1980s. and how it was living up to its aim of honouring the memory of Sir Walter and making his life and works known to others with the Annual Programme oi lectures and meetings. She referred to the sad losses in recent years of Patricia and Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott with whom the Club had had a close association She commented on the web-site and hoped this would  introduce new members to the Club. She ended by wishing Fraser Elgin a happy retirement from his duties as hon. secretary and toasted the future of the Club.

It was a happy day in November 2008 when the Hon Secretary received a letter from Buckingham Palace confirming his highest aspirations, that HRH the Princess Royal had consented to grace the club with her presence on the occasion of the Hundredth Annual Dinner. The subsequent meetings and arrangements necessary to ensure the smooth operation of such a major event in the annals of the Club were a revelation of how many intricate details required attention, a challenge which the club accepted and complied with to everyone’s satisfaction.

Guests assembled at 7pm, -total attendance being 110- after  appropriate security requirements, in the Morning Room of the New Club to await the arrival of HRH the Princess Royal at 7.30.pm The interim was pleasantly spent in the consumption of wine and canapes and in conversation The inconvenient arrangements in the city due to  the advent of trams necessitated HRH’s  being welcomed at the back door of the Club by the New Club chairman and secretary. After introductions to the Club chairman, Professor David Purdie, and the Hon. Secretary, Fraser Elgin, HRH was introduced to the Top Table, where greetings were exchanged; HRH was then afforded an opportunity to meet Club members in the Morning Room. Guests were shortly thereafter summoned to the dining room, followed, after a brief interval, by the Top Table piped in by Alan Forbes, an old friend of the Hon Secretary.

100th Annual Dinner [Photos]