Sir Walter Scott and the Blair Adam Antiquarian Club

Rev. W. Stephen discusses the Blair Adam Antiquarian Club (1817–1831), an intellectual and social gathering initiated by Lord Chief Commissioner Adam at Blair Adam House, near Loch Leven. The club was formed due to Scott’s fascination with the historical richness of the area and his enthusiasm for Scottish antiquities.

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Summary of the article:

1. Scott’s Introduction to Blair Adam (1817)

• Scott was invited by Lord Adam to visit Blair Adam House, where he was introduced to the area's historical and antiquarian significance.
• He was joined by Sir Adam Ferguson and William Clerk.
• Lord Adam described to Scott how the region was surrounded by castles and historic sites, which later influenced his literary works.

2. Formation and Activities of the Blair Adam Antiquarian Club

• Inspired by the historical discussions at Blair Adam, Scott and his companions decided to form the club, dedicated to exploring and discussing Scottish antiquities.
• The members met annually in summer, arriving on Friday evening and departing on Tuesday morning.
• Sundays were spent attending church at Cleish and strolling the landscapes.

3. Notable Members and Guests

• Founding members included Lord Chief Commissioner Adam, Sir Charles Adam, Sir Walter Scott, Sir Adam Ferguson, William Clerk, Chief Baron Shepherd, Thomas Thomson (Advocate), Rev. John Thomson (Duddingston), Anstruther Thomson Charleton (Lord Adam’s son-in-law)
• Distinguished visitors included Lord Abercromby, Lord Sydney Osborne, and Count Flahault.
• Women were included in the social circle and attended some excursions.

4. Excursions and Historical Exploration

The club embarked on regular excursions to historic castles and landmarks, often accompanied by food and wine.

Some key visits included:

• Castle Campbell (1818) – Scene of a feud between the Campbells and the Gordons.
• Dunfermline and Cleish Castle.
• Macduff’s Cross (Newburgh) – Scott planned this visit himself.
• Lochleven Castle – This site inspired The Abbot (1820).
• Burleigh Castle – Scott collected relics from here.
• Magus Moor – Site of the murder of Archbishop Sharp.
• St. Andrews – Visited places linked to Patrick Hamilton and George Wishart.
• Culross Abbey – Hosted by Sir Robert Preston (aged 90).

5. Scott’s Literary Inspiration and Personal Life

• Scott’s visits inspired his novels The Abbot, Waverley, Guy Mannering, The Antiquary, and Rob Roy.
• Scott was recognized as the author of these works due to his familiarity with the local scenery and historical references.
• He enjoyed humorous interactions during excursions, such as his attempt to extract information from a vagrant about Macduff’s Cross, which ended comically.
• Scott was free from drinking habits, often advising younger friends against it.
• He never missed a single meeting of the club until his health declined in 1831.

6. Scott’s Declining Health and Final Years

• In his final years, Scott suffered from financial and health issues.
• Before departing for a futile search for renewed health, Scott gifted Lord Adam a key, believed to be from Mary, Queen of Scots' apartments in Lochleven Castle.
• The speech closes with a tribute to the harmony of the club, emphasizing its intellectual and convivial atmosphere.

Interesting Points

Scott’s Literary Revelations

• Scott’s cover as "The Great Unknown" was nearly blown when his remarks about porpoises on the beach were linked to a scene in The Antiquary.
• His mention of Kiery Craigs confirmed his authorship of The Abbot.

Scott’s Love for Antiquities

• His passion for Scottish history led to detailed explorations and discussions.
• He collected relics from castles and historic sites.
• Anecdote About a Vagrant at Macduff’s Cross
• Scott attempted to bribe an old man with sixpence for information about Macduff’s Cross. The man turned out to be a drunken vagrant, who, instead of answering, danced back to the dram shop.

Scott’s Views on Alcohol

• Despite being part of a convivial circle, Scott avoided drinking, considering it a vice incompatible with greatness.

Final Gift to Lord Adam

• Scott gifted a large, ornate key, supposedly from Mary’s chambers in Lochleven Castle.

Conclusion

The article provided a detailed and engaging account of Scott’s fascination with Scottish history, his social circle at Blair Adam, and the inspiration these gatherings provided for his literary works. The Blair Adam Antiquarian Club not only served as a scholarly gathering but also as a social fraternity, blending intellectual discussion with humour and camaraderie.