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

Summary of the Speech:

His speech was a deeply personal and insightful tribute to Scott, reflecting on his own connections to the Borders and Scott’s legacy.

Key Themes and Points:

1. Personal Connection to Scott and the Borders
2. Lord Sanderson grew up near Scott’s home, Abbotsford, and spent his childhood exploring places associated with Scott, such as The Rhymer’s Glen, Cauldshiels Loch, and Chiefswood.
3. His family was involved in the Border textile industry for generations, and he likened Scott’s financial struggles (following the collapse of the Ballantyne firm) to the hardships his own family endured when their mill failed in 1926.
4. Scott’s Exploration of the Borders
5. He recounted Scott’s travels through Liddesdale in the 1790s with Robert Shortreed, collecting Border ballads and experiencing the rugged way of life.
6. Vivid descriptions from Guy Mannering were used to illustrate the remoteness of the area in Scott’s time.
7. His own recent visit to places such as Hermitage Castle and Newcastleton brought these stories to life.
8. Border Culture and Tradition
9. Lord Sanderson spoke passionately about Hawick’s traditions, particularly the Common Riding and its associated songs, which embody the deep-rooted local pride and history.
10. He quoted verses from The Border Queen, showcasing the strength of local identity.
11. Scott’s Politics and the Union Debate
12. While Sanderson humorously admitted he would have opposed Scott on the 1832 Reform Act, he praised Scott’s defense of the 1707 Union of Parliaments through the character Bailie Nicol Jarvie in Rob Roy.
13. He drew parallels between Scott’s time and modern banking collapses, particularly in reference to Scotland’s financial institutions.
14. Scott’s Humour and Legacy
15. He highlighted Scott’s wit, quoting a humorous farewell poem Scott wrote when leaving his lodgings.
16. He announced a significant addition to Abbotsford’s collection: two J.M.W. Turner watercolours of Abbotsford and Newark Tower, originally commissioned for Scott’s Poetical Works in 1831.
17. Closing Toast
18. He concluded with a traditional Border toast referencing the tappit hen—an old pewter wine measure associated with Scott’s time.

Interesting Points Worth Mentioning:

• Scott’s Love for the Borders: His passion for the landscape, history, and traditions shaped both his literary and personal life.
• Connection to Border Industries: Lord Sanderson’s parallels between Scott’s financial downfall and his own family’s experiences in textiles added a unique personal touch.
• Scott’s Role in Popularizing Tartan: He defended Scott against accusations of commercializing Scottish identity, arguing that the resurgence of tartan culture in weddings and public life was not simply a product of tourist marketing.
• Acquisition of Turner Paintings for Abbotsford: A major cultural contribution to Scott’s legacy, reinforcing the connection between literature and visual art.

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