Walter Scott’s Cruise with the Lighthouse Commissioners

Summary of the Talk:

This piece details Sir Walter Scott's voyage aboard the yacht of the Commissioners of the Northern Lights in 1814. Scott sailed with a group of Commissioners, engineers, and guests to inspect lighthouses and potential sites for new ones along Scotland’s coast, from Leith to Greenock, over six weeks. The article elaborates on Scott's role as a guest, rather than an official member of the commission, and how the voyage provided Scott with ample opportunity to enjoy Scotland's coastal scenery and gather inspiration for his future works.

The voyage was led by Robert Stevenson, the renowned lighthouse engineer, and was a unique blend of official inspection and leisure. Scott, who was already a successful poet at the time, had just published his first novel Waverley weeks before the trip. The article also touches on Scott's friendships, his literary modesty, and the events that shaped his work. For example, Scott's observations from the cruise influenced his later novel The Pirate, which draws heavily from his experiences in the Shetland and Orkney islands.

The journey was not without its difficulties, including bad weather, seasickness, and the threat of American privateers, yet Scott greatly enjoyed the trip. The experience enriched his understanding of Scottish geography and folklore, which later found expression in his writings. The article concludes by discussing how the voyage inspired Scott's writing, particularly The Pirate, blending his travels with local lore and history.

Interesting Points:

1. Scott’s Role in the Voyage: Although Scott was not a formal member of the Lighthouse Commissioners, his role as a guest was significant for his intellectual contributions and his enjoyment of the journey.
2. The Mystery of the Yacht’s Name: There is ambiguity around the name of the yacht Scott sailed in, referred to in his diary as the Lighthouse Yacht. The assumption is it was called Pharos, a continuation of the name used for previous Lighthouse yachts.
3. Scott's Relationship with the Legal Profession: Interestingly, the Lighthouse Commissioners were largely composed of legal professionals, a legacy of Scotland’s legal traditions. This highlights Scott's connection to the legal world, as he was a lawyer before becoming a full-time writer.
4. Influence on The Pirate: The scenery and experiences during the voyage influenced Scott’s novel The Pirate, especially his observations of Shetland and Orkney, where he noted the local culture, seafaring traditions, and even met a figure who inspired one of the novel’s characters.
5. The Pirate’s Reception: When The Pirate was published, it was met with mixed reviews, with some critics feeling that Scott had "written himself out." However, the novel's vivid depictions of the Northern Isles showcased Scott's continued ability to blend travel, local lore, and history.
6. Scott’s Literary Modesty: Despite the immense success of Waverley, Scott remained modest about his authorship of the novel and did not openly acknowledge it until much later. He even expressed concerns that writing novels might be considered inappropriate for a man of his legal standing.

This article gives a vivid insight into Scott’s life during a pivotal moment in his literary career and the sources of inspiration that contributed to his lasting legacy.