Other Scott Clubs:

The Sir Walter Scott Club

History and Founding

The Sir Walter Scott Club was founded in Glasgow on 30th March 1891, making it the first literary society dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. Its creation filled a gap that enthusiasts felt had been missed during the earlier centenary celebrations of Scott’s life. The club’s founder was Dr. George R. Mather, a Glasgow physician and bibliophile, who delivered an inaugural lecture titled “Sir Walter Scott and the Genius of Romance” in the club’s early days. Notably, Professor John Veitch (a prominent Scottish literature scholar) served as the club’s first president, lending intellectual prestige to the new society. Under these auspices, the Sir Walter Scott Club quickly became a focal point for admirers of Scott’s novels and poems, predating even the formation of Edinburgh’s Scott Club (established in 1894).


Mission and Purpose

The club’s stated mission was “to promote the study of Sir Walter Scott’s life and writings, and encourage a more familiar acquaintance with the localities rendered classic by his pen.” In essence, members aimed not only to read and discuss Scott’s works but also to engage with the history and places connected to his stories. This dual focus on literary appreciation and site-based learning reflected Scott’s own deep connection to Scotland’s landscapes and heritage. By exploring Scott’s novels, poems, and historical novels in tandem with visits to relevant locales, the club sought to deepen understanding of Scott’s contribution to Scottish culture. The Sir Walter Scott Club thus combined a scholarly purpose with a patriotic and educational one, celebrating Scott as “the Scottish Shakespeare” and strengthening appreciation for Scotland’s history and geography through his works.


Activities and Events

From its inception, the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club was an active society, hosting a variety of literary and social events. Both historical records and contemporary reports document a rich array of activities:

  • Literary Lectures and Readings: The club regularly held meetings where lectures or papers on Scott’s works and related topics were presented. For example, in February 1896 the club hosted a talk on “Ballads of the Scottish Border” delivered at the Accountants’ Hall in Glasgow. Such lectures often examined Scott’s novels, poetry, or the historical context of his writings, and notable academics, writers, and even clergy were invited to speak. Professor Veitch’s own lecture on Scott at St. Andrew’s Hall shortly after the club’s founding set a high standard, as he eloquently praised Scott’s human-hearted genius and the global impact of his portrayal of Scottish life. These talks not only educated members about Scott but also stimulated broader interest in Scotland’s literary heritage.
  • Excursions and Literary Tours: In keeping with its mission, the club organized excursions to places linked with Scott’s life or fiction. A famous example was a large group outing in the summer of 1895, when ninety club members travelled by coach from Glasgow to Edinburgh and visited sites such as Melville Castle, the River Esk at Hawthornden, and Rosslyn Castle and Chapel – locations immortalized in Scott’s writings. The day included a lunch at Dalkeith and dinner at Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel, and was remembered as “the happiest and most successful excursion in the history of the club”. This mix of sightseeing and camaraderie exemplified how the club brought Scott’s settings to life. Over the years, similar outings and “pilgrimages” to Scott country (for instance, Abbotsford House, Scott’s home in the Borders) were a highlight of membership.
  • Annual Dinners and Social Gatherings: The Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club held formal annual dinners, which became important social events in the city’s literary calendar. These dinners often took place in late winter or spring; one recorded annual dinner was held on 20 February 1931, featuring an address by the Hon. Lord St. Vigeans. Such evenings typically included toasts to “The Immortal Memory of Sir Walter Scott,” speeches by guest dignitaries, and musical or poetic entertainments. The 1908–1909 session’s annual dinner, for example, was held at the Grand Hotel at Charing Cross, Glasgow. Attendees dressed in formal attire and the club’s president or an invited notable would deliver the main toast to Sir Walter. These convivial gatherings strengthened the club’s fellowship and often garnered press coverage. According to a Punch magazine piece, the club’s presidency in the 1890s was held by Sheriff Walter C. Spens, whose genial leadership at dinners and excursions was fondly noted. Indeed, Punch wryly observed that the club’s lively excursions and banquets were “the way to keep up the dignity of literature” – a spirited alternative to mere academic honours.


In addition to these major activities, the club also occasionally collaborated with other literary organizations or participated in special commemorations. For instance, during milestone anniversaries of Scott’s birth or death, the club would ensure Scott’s legacy was honoured in Glasgow. In all its events, there was an emphasis on both learning (through scholarly insight) and fellowship (through shared enjoyment of Scott-inspired culture).


Membership Information

Membership in the Sir Walter Scott Club was open to individuals with an interest in Sir Walter Scott and Scotland’s literary heritage. In the late 19th century, many of its members were educated gentlemen – professionals, academics, clergymen, and literary enthusiasts from Glasgow and surrounding areas. Women’s involvement in the early years is less documented, but they were at least occasionally present (for example, some excursions and social events included members’ wives or female guests). By the mid-1890s, the club had grown to a substantial size: about ninety members took part in the 1895 excursion, indicating a membership at least in that order of magnitude.


Joining the club likely required being proposed by an existing member and paying a subscription fee (a common practice for literary societies of that era). The Glasgow Post Office Directory for 1896–97 lists the Sir Walter Scott Club among the city’s literary institutions, which suggests that the club advertised its existence to the public and welcomed new members. Members paid annual dues that funded club activities and received notices of meetings, lectures, and dinners. There was no strict professional or academic requirement to join – the key qualification was an admiration for Scott and a desire to “become more familiar” with his life and works


The membership roll and records preserved in archives show that over the decades, the club’s roster included some prominent figures in Glasgow’s cultural scene (journalists, professors, judges, etc.) alongside ordinary book-lovers. At its peak, the club may have had over a hundred members, though numbers likely fluctuated year to year. By the 1920s and 1930s, membership still remained “constant if small” – dedicated core enthusiasts sustained the club’s activities. Membership conferred the privilege of attending the annual anniversary dinner, participating in excursions, and receiving any publications or printed lectures the club produced. In summary, the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club was a voluntary association of Scott devotees, reasonably sized and active in its heyday, operating much like other literary clubs where camaraderie and a shared passion were the glue binding the members.


Notable Figures and Members

Several notable individuals were associated with the Sir Walter Scott Club over its history:

  • Dr. George R. Mather (Founder): A driving force behind the club’s creation, Dr. Mather was one of its founders and served in its early leadership. He was a physician with literary interests and authored Two Great Scotsmen (a study of pioneering Scottish surgeons). Mather gave the club’s inaugural lecture in 1891 and remained active until his untimely death in 1895. In fact, Dr. Mather died dramatically during a public event (collapsing after a speech) and was deeply mourned by the club. The Sir Walter Scott Club paid tribute to him as “one of its founders” and remembered his “modest worth and unassuming mind” in a memorial penned by his colleagues. 
  • Professor John Veitch: An eminent scholar of philosophy and literature at Glasgow University, Prof. Veitch was an early patron and first president of the club. Shortly after the club’s institution, he delivered a remarkable lecture on “Sir Walter Scott”* at St. Andrew’s Hall, emphasizing Scott’s role in uniting Scotland’s heritage with world literature. Veitch’s involvement lent academic credibility to the club. He passed away in 1894 (“the lamented Professor Veitch” as contemporary accounts refer to him), and his absence was keenly felt by members. It was noted that Dr. Mather succeeded Professor Veitch as President of the club after Veitch’s death.
  • Sheriff Walter C. Spens: Commonly referred to as Sheriff Spens, he was a prominent legal figure (a Sheriff Substitute in Glasgow) and a charismatic leader in the club. By the mid-1890s, Spens had become the President of the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club, and Punch magazine affectionately dubbed him “the genial Sheriff Spens” when recounting the club’s 1895 excursion. He presided over meetings and dinners with good humour and dedication. In November 1895, upon Dr. Mather’s death, it was Walter C. Spens who authored a poetic eulogy on behalf of the club, signing it as President (In Memoriam George R. Mather). Sheriff Spens’ stewardship in the late 19th century helped sustain the club’s momentum; he was known to keep the memory of Scott vibrant in an era when Victorian Glasgow was bustling with many other clubs and activities.
  • Hon. Lord St. Vigeans (James Craigie?): A Scottish judge who bore the title Lord St. Vigeans, he is notable for delivering the annual dinner address in 1931. His speech at the club’s dinner that year (20 February 1931) was significant enough to be printed and preserved by the National Library of Scotland. While not a regular member, his participation as a speaker underscores the kind of distinguished figures the club could attract for special occasions. (Lord St. Vigeans was a judicial title — sources indicate that the man behind the title was The Rt. Hon. James Craigie, a Senator of the College of Justice in Scotland, who was invited to honour Scott’s memory at the Glasgow club’s event.)
  • Alexander Lamont (Vicar of Dalzell): An example of the scholarly enthusiasts drawn into the club’s orbit, Rev. Alexander Lamont was a clergyman who delivered a lecture to the club in 1896 on the “Border Ballads” that inspired Scott. His talk delved into folk ballads of the Scottish Borders and their influence on the national character, illustrating how the club’s lectures often explored the broader cultural context of Scott’s writings. Figures like Lamont show the interdisciplinary appeal of the club – history, folklore, poetry, and theology all intersected in its programs.
  • William Power: A noted journalist and literary critic in the mid-20th century, William Power was not an original member but is worth mentioning as part of the wider Scott appreciation circle in Glasgow. In 1932, he was honoured at a dinner in Glasgow (by the PEN Club and possibly attended by Scott Club members) for his contributions to Scottish letters. Power wrote on Scott and may have been involved in the club’s later years or at least spoken at its events, reflecting continuity of Scott’s legacy in Glasgow intellectual life.


Additionally, many University of Glasgow faculty and local literati participated in the club over time. For instance, the club’s records into the 1950s likely include professors of literature or history who took on the role of president or speaker during those years. While not all their names are widely known today, these individuals collectively sustained the club’s activities and ensured that each generation re-engaged with Sir Walter Scott’s works. The presence of such notable figures gave the club a stature and ensured that its events were often covered in newspapers and remembered in memoirs of Glasgow’s literary scene.


Lectures and Publications

One of the core functions of the Sir Walter Scott Club was to host lectures and talks that examined Sir Walter Scott’s oeuvre from various angles. These talks were sometimes delivered as standalone public lectures and other times as part of club meetings or dinners. The subjects ranged across Scott’s wide literary canvas – from analyses of specific novels and poems to explorations of historical themes that Scott wrote about.

Regular talks: In the early years, the club arranged a series of lectures each season. For example, in 1891 (the founding year) Dr. George Mather’s opening lecture on Scott set an academic tone. In subsequent years, scholars like Professor Veitch and others presented on topics such as “Scott’s portrayal of Scottish history” or “Scott’s contribution to romantic literature.” The Border Magazine noted that Professor Veitch’s lecture shortly after the club formed was deeply inspirational – he highlighted how Scott’s writings fostered a “brotherhood of man” by giving readers around the world an affection for Scotland’s history. This lecture was likely published or summarized in the press, as it was quoted in the magazine.


Themed talks: The club didn’t restrict itself to Scott’s works alone; it often included related literary topics. As mentioned, Rev. Alexander Lamont’s 1896 talk on Border ballads connected to Scott’s interest in folklore. Likewise, other talks touched on Scott’s contemporaries or influences – for instance, a lecture might compare Scott to Robert Burns or discuss the Scottish Enlightenment background of Scott’s novels. These presentations were educational and intended to deepen members’ appreciation of the contexts of Scott’s writing.


Publications: While the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club did not produce a regular journal or extensive publications of its own, it did on occasion publish or preserve important speeches. A notable example is the annual dinner address of 1931 by Lord St. Vigeans, which was printed as a pamphlet or report – this address is today held in the National Library’s collections. Similarly, George Mather’s inaugural lecture on “The Genius of Romance” was published posthumously as part of his obituary tribute in 1895, indicating the text was valued enough to be recorded in print. The club also kept manuscript minutes and papers (now archived) which include texts of lectures and discussions.


Club events were often covered by newspapers, effectively publishing accounts of its lectures to a wider audience. For instance, the Aberdeen Weekly Journal and other papers reported on the club’s lectures and excursions in the 1890s. Extracts from speeches appeared in regional publications – we know that Punch magazine famously recounted the 1895 excursion (albeit humorously) and quoted the club’s motto, and The Scotsman and Glasgow Herald would occasionally note the club’s annual gatherings and any notable remarks made there.


Readings and recitations were another form of literary activity. At dinners or meetings, members or guest performers sometimes read aloud from Scott’s poems or enacted scenes from his novels. This was a common feature of literary clubs of that era to have dramatic or poetic readings as part of the program, though specific records from the Scott Club are sparse on this detail.


In summary, the club’s lectures and occasional publications served to document and disseminate Scott scholarship emanating from Glasgow. They ensured that the intellectual discussion of Scott remained active outside academia, at a popular level. Today, those looking for the content of talks given at the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club can find some of them in archival records and contemporaneous newspapers. The surviving pamphlets – like the 1931 address – are tangible legacies of the club’s educational mission.


Governance and Organization

The Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club was structured like many literary societies of its time, with a formal but modest governance framework. At the head of the organization was the President, typically a respected figure in law, academia, or literature who provided leadership for a term of one or more years. Supporting the President were one or several Vice-Presidents (often distinguished members who helped organize events and stood in as needed) and a Secretary who handled correspondence and logistics. A Treasurer managed the finances, including membership dues and event expenses.


From historical records, we can piece together some of the club’s leadership succession in its early years. Professor John Veitch served as the inaugural President (1891–1894), followed briefly by Dr. George R. Mather (who as a founder likely took on a leading role and was noted to have succeeded Veitch as President). After Mather’s sudden death in late 1895, Walter C. Spens assumed the presidency. Spens, with his legal background, probably brought organizational acumen to the club and may have served as President for an extended period into the late 1890s. The club’s 1909 annual dinner menu lists the officers for the 1908–09 session, indicating that by the 20th century the club had a stable committee structure. Unfortunately, the specific names of later Presidents and officers (especially mid-20th century) are not readily available in published sources; however, it is likely that professors from the University of Glasgow’s English department or noted local authors took on the presidency in the club’s later decades.


The Council or Committee of the club would have included a small number of elected members who planned the program of events each year. They would schedule lectures, arrange venues for meetings and dinners, invite guest speakers, and coordinate excursions. Meetings of the committee are recorded in the minute books, which survive up to 1966. The committee also drafted the club’s constitution and rules, which would cover membership procedures, election of officers at an Annual General Meeting, and other governance matters. For example, similar clubs often had rules about how many members were needed for a quorum, the process for nominating new members, etc. While the exact constitution of the Scott Club is not quoted in sources, one can infer it was straightforward and similar to that of contemporary literary clubs.


One interesting aspect is that the Glasgow club’s existence indirectly influenced the naming of its Edinburgh counterpart. When a Sir Walter Scott Club was formed in Edinburgh a few years later, it had to style itself as The Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club to distinguish from the already-established Glasgow club. This implies a recognition, even in governance terms, that the Glasgow club held primacy in name and foundation. From then onwards they had to become known as The Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club.


The club did not have a permanent clubhouse or offices; it relied on meeting halls and venues around the city. Thus, the Secretary’s address (often listed in city directories) was likely used as the correspondence address for the club. For example, the 1896 Glasgow directory listing probably included the Secretary’s name and contact, indicating where interested parties could write to join or inquire.


In governance matters, the continuity of the club through many decades is notable. It weathered periods of world wars and social change, likely by reducing activity during wartime and resuming afterward. The preserved minute books (spanning 1891 to 1966) suggest that the club maintained an official organizational presence and record-keeping for 75 years. This longevity attests to effective stewardship by successive committees. By the 1960s, however, it appears the club’s active operations were winding down (as indicated by the archives ending in 1966), possibly due to aging membership and waning public interest in traditional literary societies by that time.


Partnerships and Affiliations

The Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club was an independent literary society, but it operated within a network of cultural institutions and clubs in Scotland. While not formally affiliated with any national organization, the club had informal connections and goodwill exchanges with several groups:


  • Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club: As mentioned, Edinburgh formed its own Scott club in 1894, a development spurred by Glasgow’s example. Though the two clubs were separate, they shared a common purpose. On occasion there may have been correspondence between them or invitations extended to each other’s events. For instance, members of the Glasgow club possibly attended major dinners of the Edinburgh club and vice versa, especially during large Scott anniversaries. In modern times, the Edinburgh club has acknowledged Glasgow’s club as the first of its kind and expressed a fraternal connection in spirit. However, there is no record of formal joint events in the early years – each club served its local community of Scott enthusiasts.
  • Other Literary Societies in Glasgow: Glasgow in the late 19th and early 20th century had a vibrant scene of clubs – Burns clubs, a Shakespeare club, the Glasgow Ballad Club, and many others. The Sir Walter Scott Club’s founders and members often had memberships in these other societies as well. For example, Dr. George Mather and others were involved in the Glasgow Ballad Club and the Burns movement. This overlapping membership created an informal alliance of sorts; they would support each other’s lectures and anniversaries. It’s noted in one source that a founding member of the Scott Club was also active in the Glasgow Ballad Club and “in many other ways” contributed to the city’s literary life. Thus, the Scott Club was part of Glasgow’s broader literary fellowship, often coordinating schedules to avoid conflicts and sharing speakers of note.
  • University of Glasgow & Libraries: Although not an official partnership, the club had a close relationship with educational institutions. Professors from the University of Glasgow were key participants, and the university’s halls were sometimes used for events (e.g. Professor Veitch’s lecture was in a large public hall). The Mitchell Library and other Glasgow libraries were likely supportive, possibly hosting some lectures or exhibitions of Scott’s manuscripts on special occasions. When the club celebrated Scott, it was in harmony with library exhibits or university seminars that did the same, especially around major anniversaries (such as 1932, the centenary of Scott’s death, and 1971, the bicentenary of his birth). We can surmise that in 1932 the club would have coordinated with entities like the Glasgow Libraries or the corporation to mark the occasion (for instance, there were public ceremonies at Scott’s tomb at Dryburgh Abbey organized by Scott enthusiasts around that time).
  • Abbotsford and Scott Family Trusts: Sir Walter Scott’s own estate, Abbotsford, became a museum and trust. While the Glasgow club had no formal link to the Abbotsford Trust, its members undoubtedly supported and promoted visits to Abbotsford. There may have been communication in the form of sending congratulations or messages on important dates. For example, the Abbotsford Centenary in 1932 or Scott’s bicentenary in 1971 might have elicited a message or a visit from Glasgow club representatives. However, concrete records of such interactions aren’t readily available; they would have been a matter of course given the shared mission.


Overall, while the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club did not have formal partnerships, it existed in collaboration with the cultural milieu around it. It amplified and was amplified by the activities of universities, libraries, and other clubs devoted to Scottish literature. This cooperative spirit helped the club thrive by attracting speakers and members who were active in multiple circles. In its later years, the club’s role was partly subsumed by larger organizations (for example, by the mid-20th century, the Association for Scottish Literary Studies and university English departments took on more of the work of promoting authors like Scott). Nonetheless, the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club remained an important node in the web of Scottish literary appreciation.


Location and Meeting Schedule

The club did not maintain a fixed clubhouse or permanent venue; instead, it convened at various notable locations in Glasgow appropriate for literary gatherings. Meetings and lectures were typically held in rented halls or institutional rooms. For example, early lectures took place at St. Andrew’s Hall (a large public auditorium in Glasgow) and at the Accountants’ Hall on St. Vincent Street. These venues were centrally located and signalled the club’s seriousness by being established public spaces. Smaller meetings may have occurred in private rooms (perhaps at the Mitchell Library or at a hotel function room), especially committee meetings or informal study sessions.


The annual formal events like the dinners often took place in the city’s prominent hotels or restaurants. Records show the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh was the site of the dinner during the 1895 excursion (since that was an out-of-town event), but in Glasgow the go-to venues included the Grand Hotel at Charing Cross (for the 1909 annual dinner) and possibly the Grosvenor Restaurant or St. Enoch’s Hotel for other years (as was common for Glasgow clubs). These dinner venues were selected for their capacity and catering, and notices would be sent to members well in advance.


In terms of meeting schedule, the club likely followed the pattern of many Victorian/Edwardian literary societies:

  • Lecture Meetings: held during the academic year months (October to April) at intervals. It might have been monthly or bi-monthly. For instance, one might imagine a schedule where the club met on a weekday evening every 4–6 weeks for a talk, followed by discussion and refreshments. The 1896 talk in February suggests a winter schedule, and there may have been a series through winter into spring.
  • Annual General Meeting: the club probably had a business meeting annually, possibly combined with the dinner or just before it, where officers were elected and reports given.
  • Annual Dinner: typically once a year, often around late winter (the 1931 dinner was in February; some clubs chose dates near Scott anniversaries, but Scott’s birth (15 August) was in summer and death (21 September) also in late summer, so the club might have picked a convenient winter date instead).
  • Summer Outings: during Scott’s favourite season (summer), the club arranged excursions as described, usually on a Saturday or holiday when members could travel. The famous 1895 excursion was “the other day” in early summer, possibly June. Similarly, later outings might coincide with public holidays or weekends in May or June. These were day trips; occasionally an overnight excursion might have been arranged for farther destinations.


Meetings were announced via postal circulars to members and perhaps advertised in local newspapers for open public lectures. It’s worth noting that some events were public (to spread knowledge of Scott to the general populace), while others like dinners were members-and-guests only. For example, Professor Veitch’s memorial lecture on Scott was open to all and drew a large audience beyond the membership, showcasing the club’s public outreach.


As for the club’s address, typically the Secretary’s address served as the official point of contact. In early years, that might have been Dr. Mather’s consulting rooms or later an office of whoever was secretary. By mid-20th century, if the club’s activities slowed, they perhaps met less frequently. We do know that meetings and minute-taking continued into the 1960s, albeit possibly infrequently.


In summary, the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club did not have a single physical home but met regularly in Glasgow’s civic venues. Its schedule combined intellectual meetings in the colder months with convivial excursions in the warmer months, anchored by at least one grand dinner per year. This rhythm provided members with year-round engagement: learning, socializing, and touring – all inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s legacy.


Recent Developments and Legacy

By the mid-20th century, the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club experienced a decline in activity, mirroring a general trend as older literary clubs faced competition from new forms of entertainment and academic specialization. The club’s official records extend up to 1966, which suggests that it was active (or at least maintaining minutes) until the 1960s. After that point, there is little evidence of ongoing club meetings or events, indicating that the club likely became dormant or dissolved sometime in the late 1960s. No reports of centennial celebrations in 1991 can be found, which implies the club did not survive to its 100th anniversary as an active society.


One tangible recent development is the preservation of the club’s historical legacy through archives. The Glasgow City Archives (at the Mitchell Library) hold a collection of the Sir Walter Scott Club’s papers, including minute books, a cash book, letter books, membership rolls, and correspondence covering the years 1891 to 1966. This archival deposit ensures that researchers today can study the detailed proceedings of the club — its meeting minutes, lists of members, topics of lectures, and organizational decisions. The survival of these documents is a testament to the club’s once-vibrant presence in Glasgow’s cultural life. (The archive reference is TD200/22-36, under the club’s name, for those interested in consulting it.)


In terms of public profile, since the late 20th century the Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club has largely carried the torch of Scott commemoration in Scotland, continuing to hold annual dinners and lectures into the 21st century. The Edinburgh club often acknowledges that Glasgow’s club led the way back in 1891.


The legacy of the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club endures in a few ways. First, its model set a precedent: it demonstrated how a city-based literary society could honour a national writer through both study and tourism, and this model has been emulated by others (for instance, the format of an annual Scott dinner with a toast to Scott is something the Edinburgh club continues, and even abroad Scott societies took similar shapes). Second, the publications and references the club left behind (such as the 1931 address pamphlet and numerous newspaper articles) contribute to the historiography of Scott’s popular reception. Modern Scott scholars occasionally cite the activities of these clubs to illustrate Scott’s impact on later generations.


In Glasgow itself, one might say the club’s heritage is reflected in ongoing public appreciation for Scott. The city’s landscape features a prominent memorial to Sir Walter Scott – the column and statue in George Square, Glasgow, which predates the club but stands as a daily reminder of Scott’s influence. While the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club is no longer convening meetings at the Mitre or the Grand Hotel, its memory survives in archives and in the acknowledgment by literary historians that Glasgow was the first city to form a society in Scott’s honour. The toast given in 1895, “Long life to the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club!”, rings somewhat nostalgic now, but without doubt the club had a long and fruitful life. Its purpose – educating the public about Sir Walter Scott and celebrating Scotland’s literary heritage – continues to be carried on by other organizations, ensuring that the torch the Glasgow club first lit in 1891 has not been extinguished.



*The Border Magazine quoted "Professor Veitch as he lectured on "Sir Walter Scott" in St Andrew's Hall, Glasgow, shortly after the institution of the Glasgow Sir Walter Scott Club. Below is an excerpt:

"With Sir Walter Scott the outward was the expression of the inward, and the inspiration of his genius lay deep in his human heartedness. It was that which gave power to his best creations, and while the splendid imagination of the author drew to him the admiration of Scotland and of the world, the man gathered round him through his feelings of sympathetic love a brotherhood of friends who loved him in return as seldom man had been loved. It was a pity that the enthusiasm evoked at the centenary had been allowed to pass without the institution of a club, but he was pleased to know that the blank was now filled. And it was well that such a club should have its rise in Glasgow, where the people were supposed to be wholly immersed in commercial pursuits. The Professor pointed out the beauties to be found in the works of Scott, and claimed him as the one who had first opened the grandeur of the Scottish dialect and Scottish scenery to the other nations of the world, so that now England, France, Germany, and the United States of America had an Understanding of, and a feeling for, Scotland and its history, the very opposite of what existed a hundred years ago. In that respect it seemed to him that the works of Sir Walter Scott, read as they had been by thousands of men and women in all ranks of life over the world, had been, and now were, one of the most powerful influences in modern times in diffusing a sense of the brotherhood of man, especially in uniting together all English-speaking people of the world. Every British colonist felt a stronger bond to the old mother country than he would otherwise have felt when they read the story of the 'Heart of Midlothian' or the 'Bride of Lammermoor.' The feeling of loyalty to the British crown on the part of the colonists had its deepest nourisliment in our common literature, and in none more so than in the Scotland of Scott and he had no fear for that loyalty so long as the rude cabins of Canada and Australia resounded with the strains of 'Jock o' Hazeldean.' " The late Sheriff Spens presided at the above lecture, and in introducing the lecturer, said that 'If they took Sir Walter Scott as a man, and considered his writings and what he did for humanity, he was second to none save Shakespeare. The object of the club was 'to promote the study of Sir Walter Scott's life and writings, and encourage a more familiar acquaintance with the localities rendered classic by his pen.' That was a somewhat small scope, and he should like that they should recognise it as a patriotic duty to do honour to Sir Walter Scott and help forward a great national movement in that direction."



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Note: This article may be updated as new information becomes available.