The Sir Walter Scott Society of the University of Toronto

History and Founding Background

The Sir Walter Scott Society of the University of Toronto was established in 1943, in the midst of World War II, as a literary society devoted to the famed Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Its founding members — about twenty in total, comprising “gentlemen and their ladies” drawn from both the university and the broader Toronto community (“Town and Gown”) — came together to create a club focused on Scott’s life and works. The initiative was led by Professor Ernest Dale, a Edinburgh-born scholar who had graduated from Oxford in 1910 and immigrated to Canada in 1912. Dale was active in Toronto’s literary circles (he was involved with the Toronto Arts and Letters Club, the Dickens Fellowship, and the Shakespeare Society) and, along with peers such as John Cowan, Dr. Alexander Macmillan (father of Canadian conductor Sir Ernest MacMillan), and a Mr. Craick, he drafted the outline for a new society dedicated to “the study of the works of ‘The Wizard of the North’” (a nickname for Sir Walter Scott). The Society formally took shape with this vision, providing a forum for Scott enthusiasts at a time when organizing cultural and intellectual activities served as a welcome respite from the hardships of war.

From its inception in the 1940s, the Sir Walter Scott Society quickly became a fixture of Toronto’s literary life. It offered a space where academics and literature lovers could meet outside of the classroom to celebrate and analyse Scott’s novels, poems, and historical writings. Over the subsequent decades, the Society remained continuously active – an impressive feat given that interest in 19th-century literature has waned in some circles of modern life. By the late 2000s, the Society was nearing its 65th anniversary, and as of today it has been in existence for over eight decades. This longevity underscores the enduring appeal of Scott’s work and the dedication of the Society’s members across generations.

Purpose and Mission

The primary mission of the Society is to promote the study and appreciation of Sir Walter Scott’s life and writings. In the words of its founders, it was established “to be devoted to the study of the works of ‘The Wizard of the North’” (Scott’s sobriquet). This entails not only reading and discussing Scott’s extensive body of novels, poetry, and essays, but also exploring the historical, social, and cultural contexts of his works. Indeed, throughout its history the Society has hosted presentations covering virtually everything Sir Walter ever wrote, along with talks on his contemporaries and on the many facets of Scottish history and society reflected in his writings.

The Sir Walter Scott Society aims to keep alive the interest in and scholarly examination of Scott’s legacy at the University of Toronto and in the Toronto community. It provides an informal yet learned setting where enthusiasts can delve into topics such as the themes of Scott’s novels, the locales in Scotland that feature in his stories, and the influence of Scott on literature and nationhood. In doing so, the Society fulfils a role similar to other author-focused literary societies (such as local Shakespeare or Dickens clubs) – fostering a community of readers who deepen their understanding of an author’s work through collective study and discussion. That sense of community and intellectual fellowship is central to the Society’s mission. As one chronicler noted, sustaining such a “gathering of literati” dedicated to a 19th-century writer is quite an accomplishment in the modern era. The Society’s continued existence is a testament to the members’ passion for Scott and their belief in the relevance of his works even today.

In summary, the Society’s purpose can be encapsulated as celebrating Sir Walter Scott’s literary heritage. By encouraging regular meetings, scholarly presentations, and discussions, the Society upholds Scott’s memory and introduces new generations to his writings. It not only examines Scott’s own works (“the works of the Wizard of the North” but also related literary and historical topics, thereby enriching participants’ appreciation of the broader Romantic and early Victorian literary milieu that Scott inhabited.

Key Members and Leadership (Past and Present)

Over the decades, the Sir Walter Scott Society of U of T has been guided and enriched by numerous notable individuals. Its membership roster has included prominent academics, professionals, and aficionados of literature. Below are some key members and leaders, past and present, who have played significant roles in the Society’s history:

• Professor Ernest Dale – The founding member of the Society. An Edinburgh-born scholar and Oxford graduate, Dale established the Society in 1943 and was integral to its early development. His connections with Toronto’s Arts and Letters Club and other literary societies helped set the collaborative, erudite tone of the group. (While Prof. Dale’s exact role (e.g. first president) isn’t explicitly documented in sources, he is credited with originating and organizing the Society’s founding).
• Jean MacMillan – An ardent long-time member of the Society, Jean was the daughter of Sir Ernest MacMillan (one of Canada’s most famous 20th-century musicians). She was deeply involved in Society activities for many years until her passing, exemplifying the bridge between Toronto’s cultural community and the university literati.
• Professor Douglas Thompson – A classical scholar and University of Toronto professor (graduate of Glasgow University) known for his massive work on the Latin poet Catullus. Prof. Thompson was an active Society member who contributed his wide-ranging literary knowledge; he represented the strong classical and historical interests that often informed Society presentations.
• Professor Alan Coman – An Edinburgh University graduate and Shakespearean scholar who taught English at U of T. Prof. Coman’s participation highlighted the Society’s engagement not just with Scott but with broader 19th-century literary currents (Shakespeare was an influence and point of reference for Scott). He was among the notable academics in the Society’s ranks.
• Professor David Waterhouse – A Cambridge-educated professor specializing in Oriental art and languages, who taught in the Department of East Asian Studies at U of T. Prof. Waterhouse’s involvement reflects the eclectic interests of the membership; although his professional focus was East Asian studies, he was also a Scott enthusiast, underlining that appreciation for Scott transcended disciplines. (Notably, he was still teaching at U of T as of the late 2000s while remaining a Society member.)
• Dr. Donald Priestman – A Professor Emeritus at Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University) with a specialty in the poet William Wordsworth. Dr. Priestman’s presence in the Society illustrates the appeal of Scott’s era to scholars of Romantic literature generally; his expertise in Wordsworth provided comparative insights during discussions of Scott’s poetic and contemporaneous literary environment.
• Mrs. Aurea Williams – A distinctive member in the 1970s, noteworthy for her personal connection to Scott: she is a direct descendant of Sir Walter Scott himself. Aurea Williams’ involvement gave the Society a tangible link to Scott’s family line. Her participation demonstrates the Society’s attraction not only for scholars but also for descendants and laypersons with a familial or personal passion for Scott’s legacy.
• Professor Ronald Morton Smith – One of the most celebrated figures in the Society’s history. Ronald M. Smith was a multitalented scholar (educated at St. Andrews and Oxford) who taught in U of T’s Department of East Asian Studies. He served as President of the Society for many years (likely in the 1950s–1960s) and was beloved for his erudition and character. Prof. Smith was known as a “delightful eccentric” – he famously wore a kilt year-round, even in the Canadian winters, and earned the campus nickname “Sanskrit Smith” for his prowess in languages. During World War II he had been recruited to the code-breaking team at Bletchley Park to crack Japanese naval codes – a testament to his intellect. He was also an author of children’s poetry. Under his gentle leadership, the Society thrived; he acted as a “guiding light” for three decades until his death in 1966, after which he was “sadly missed by his fellow members”. His legacy set a standard for the Society’s collegial and learned spirit. (His wife, Helen Smith, also deserves mention – she served diligently as the Society’s Secretary-Treasurer and hostess for many years, supporting the group’s activities well into the late 20th century before retiring from the club in the 2000s.
• John Cowan – A founding-era member and one of the Society’s early leaders. Cowan’s career was in the business world, but he had academic leanings and a love of literature. He served as President of the Society at one point, representing the “Town” contingent (non-academic members) who nonetheless had deep literary interests.
• Rev. Frank Watson – Another past President, noted as coming from outside academia (the world of business, possibly clergy as well) but with connections to scholarship. Watson’s involvement underscores that the Society’s leadership has not been limited to professors; individuals from varied walks of life have taken the helm as long as they shared an intellectual engagement with Scott’s work.
• Harry Stewart Ferguson – The Society’s most recent long-serving President. Harry S. Ferguson (1933–2021) was a Scottish-born Canadian businessman and mining executive who combined his professional career with a profound enthusiasm for Scott and Scottish literature. Ferguson immigrated to Canada in the 1950s and, over time, became deeply involved in Scottish cultural organizations. He assumed the presidency of the Sir Walter Scott Society at U of T in the late 20th or early 21st century and remained its President for decades, continuing in the role into the 2010s (Issue 22). Under Ferguson’s leadership, the Society maintained its regular activities and forged links with other Scottish literary and academic circles. For example, he frequently participated in Robert Burns Night suppers and helped establish the Scottish Studies Foundation Chair at the University of Guelph (a major academic initiative in Scottish Studies). Ferguson often spoke publicly about Scott – he was invited to give talks on Scott’s influence, including an address at the Edinburgh University Club of Toronto’s 2007 dinner, where he discussed Scott’s role in shaping Scottish national identity (). Harry Ferguson led the Society well into his 80s, until his passing in October 2021, demonstrating remarkable commitment. His tenure bridged the Society’s mid-century roots with the present day, and he was instrumental in keeping it active in contemporary times. (Following Ferguson’s death, it is expected that leadership passed to another member, though details on current leadership were not readily available in sources.)

This roster of individuals shows how the Society’s membership and leadership have spanned a broad spectrum – from academics in literature, classics, and arts, to clergy and business professionals, to family of historical figures. The common thread is a passion for Sir Walter Scott. As one account noted, the Society’s presidents have come from “varied walks of life” – academia, the church, business – but all shared “some academic involvement” and a love of Scott. This diversity has been a strength, ensuring lively discussions and a blend of perspectives at Society meetings.

Events and Activities

Meetings: The Sir Walter Scott Society of the University of Toronto traditionally meets twice a year, typically once in the fall and once in the spring, to coincide with the academic calendar. Each meeting usually centers around the presentation of a paper or lecture on a topic related to Sir Walter Scott. Often a member (or occasionally a guest speaker) will deliver a prepared talk – for example, an analysis of one of Scott’s novels, a biographical study of Scott, or an examination of the historical context of his work – followed by discussion among the attendees. Over the years, the Society has amassed a rich repertoire of presentations; collectively, these talks have covered virtually all of Scott’s novels and poems, as well as comparative studies of his contemporaries and subjects like Scottish folklore, history, and society that inform his writing. In essence, each meeting is a mini-seminar devoted to Scott or his era, allowing members to continually learn and explore new facets of the author’s legacy.

Venue: Meetings have typically been held in lecture rooms on the University of Toronto campus, lending an academic atmosphere to the proceedings. Using university facilities helps maintain a formal setting equipped for talks (projectors, seating, etc.), and it reinforces the Society’s connection to the university community. However, not all gatherings are strictly academic in tone – the Society is also known for its conviviality. Some events have taken place in more informal or social settings. For instance, on at least one occasion the Society hosted a visiting scholar’s talk in a casual venue described as a “wonderfully relaxed and welcoming” environment (in one anecdote, a joint event was held at a local pub in Toronto, where the Society and another group invited a speaker to discuss Scottish research). This mix of settings – from campus classrooms to club rooms or pubs – shows the Society’s flexibility in balancing scholarly content with social enjoyment.

Lecture Topics and Collaborations: The content of Society meetings is quite varied within the Scott-related theme. Topics can range from detailed literary analyses (e.g. narrative structure in Ivanhoe or Waverley) to historical presentations (such as Scott’s depiction of the Napoleonic Wars or the Jacobite risings) to comparisons of Scott with other writers like Shakespeare or Wordsworth. In addition to internal presentations, the Society occasionally collaborates with other literary and historical groups. Members of the Society have been featured speakers at broader events – for example, the Society’s president once gave a public lecture titled “Tales of a Grandfather: Sir Walter Scott and Hugh Littlejohn” as part of a Scottish Studies colloquium hosted by another university. Likewise, the Society has welcomed guest lecturers from outside. A notable example was in 2005 when a Scottish Studies professor was invited to speak to the Society; he later praised the gathering for its warm and informal setting, indicating the members’ enthusiasm and hospitality. These instances of outreach show that the Society not only focuses on its own meetings but also engages with the wider academic and cultural community.

Publications and Outputs: The Society itself does not appear to publish a regular journal or newsletter (at least, none is documented in available sources). Instead, the “outputs” of its activities are primarily the talks and discussions themselves. However, some of the content from Society meetings has made its way into print indirectly. For example, some talks or reminiscences have been written up in affiliated publications. The Edinburgh University Club of Toronto’s EDUCT News (an alumni newsletter for Edinburgh grads in Toronto) published a detailed history of the Society in 2010, written by then-President Harry Ferguson. This article encapsulated many of the lectures and personalities the Society had seen over the years, effectively serving as an archive of the Society’s intellectual contributions. In general, the Society’s impact is primarily educational and social – enriching participants rather than producing formal research publications – though individual members (especially the academics) have certainly published Scott-related scholarship independently (for instance, U of T English professor Jane Millgate, not listed in Society records but a noted Scott scholar, authored the book Walter Scott: The Making of the Novelist in 1984, reflecting the kind of scholarship that thrives in the environment the Society supports).

Special Events: Aside from the regular biannual meetings, the Society’s members often participate in related cultural events. While the Society itself is focused on Scott, many members have interest in Scottish literature and culture more broadly, so it’s not uncommon for them to attend or help organize Burns Night suppers, St. Andrew’s Society events, or joint meetings with other literary clubs. For example, Harry Ferguson (late President) organized many Robert Burns suppers and frequently gave the Address to the Haggis at various Scottish gatherings, and he sometimes recruited Society members to take part. Such activities, though outside the formal purview of the Sir Walter Scott Society, are a natural extension of its members’ enthusiasm for Scotland’s literary heritage. They help raise the Society’s profile and forge connections with organizations like the St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto and university Scottish Studies programs. The Society has not been known for large formal banquets or excursions (unlike the Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club, which holds annual dinners, or the Glasgow club which once organized group outings to Scott landmarks). Instead, the Toronto Society’s traditions have remained relatively modest and academically oriented: centred on talks, tea (or sometimes a pint), and stimulating conversation about literature.

Academic Contributions and University Involvement

The Sir Walter Scott Society is closely intertwined with the academic life of the University of Toronto. Many of its core members have been faculty, alumni, or scholars associated with U of T, which means the Society’s activities often complement and enhance the university’s academic mission. Here are some ways the Society contributes academically and engages with the University:

• Faculty and Scholar Engagement: From the beginning, U of T professors have been active in the Society – using it as an avenue to share research and ideas in a less formal setting than the classroom or academic conferences. For example, over the years U of T English professors and historians have presented papers to the Society on topics like Scott’s influence on Victorian historical fiction or the Romantic movement. The presence of academics such as Prof. Douglas Thompson (Classics), Prof. Alan Coman (English), and Prof. David Waterhouse (East Asian Studies) in the Society meant that high-calibre scholarship infused the Society’s discussions. These scholars would sometimes present their in-progress research or specialized knowledge to the Society, effectively giving guest lectures on campus under the Society’s auspices. This not only benefited Society members but also gave the professors a venue to refine their ideas among an appreciative, literature-savvy audience.
• Use of University Facilities: The Society meets on the University of Toronto campus (typically in lecture rooms), and this logistical support is a form of university involvement. While the Society is not an official academic department or course, U of T has implicitly supported it by allowing use of its space. This indicates a recognition of the Society as a positive contributor to campus intellectual life. Students or faculty walking by a Society meeting in a lecture hall might stumble upon a spirited talk on Waverley or Ivanhoe, exemplifying the kind of vibrant academic culture U of T encourages beyond formal classes. In some cases, interested students or additional faculty have likely sat in on Society presentations, blurring the line between “club meeting” and “academic seminar.”
• Research and Scholarship Output: Although the Society doesn’t publish its own journal, it indirectly contributes to scholarship on Sir Walter Scott. Members who are academics often produce papers, articles, or books on Scott and related subjects, enriched by the dialogues and feedback from Society meetings. The Society’s tradition of presenting papers means a lot of research gets done for those presentations. In essence, the Society functions as a peer group for Scott researchers and enthusiasts, helping to refine ideas that may later appear in scholarly publications or public talks. For instance, Professor Jane Millgate (a U of T professor and internationally recognized Scott expert) was not only an authoritative author on Scott but also served as President of the Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club in 2002. While Prof. Millgate’s direct involvement in the Toronto Society isn’t explicitly documented, her presence at U of T and her eminence in Scott studies certainly intersected with the Society’s milieu – she lectured on Scott’s works in academic settings that Society members would attend, and her work would have been of great interest to the Society. This highlights how U of T’s academic contributions to Scott studies (through faculty research) ran parallel to the Society’s activities, each feeding into a greater appreciation of Scott on campus.
• Collaborations with Academic Programs: The Society and its members have at times collaborated with formal academic programs. A notable example is the Scottish Studies program in Ontario. While the University of Toronto does not have a dedicated Scottish Studies department, nearby University of Guelph hosts a well-known Scottish Studies Centre. The Society’s then-President Harry Ferguson was instrumental in supporting that program (helping raise $2 million to endow a Scottish Studies Chair) and he often acted as a liaison between the Society and academic Scottish Studies events. In one instance, in the 1980s, Ferguson (as President of the Society) was invited to speak at the University of Guelph’s annual Colloquium on Scottish Studies, delivering a lecture connecting Sir Walter Scott’s writings to Scottish history. By contributing speakers and content to such events, the Society effectively participates in academia beyond U of T, strengthening the scholarly network devoted to Scottish literature and history. Additionally, Society members have been known to attend guest lectures on campus (for example, if a visiting professor gave a talk on Scott or Romantic literature, you could expect Society members in the audience asking insightful questions).
• Enriching Student Experience: While the Society is not a student club per se, U of T students (especially graduate students in English or History) with an interest in Scott or Romanticism could benefit from the Society. Some graduate students have presented at Society meetings or at least used it as a sounding board for thesis ideas. The Society’s mix of senior scholars and knowledgeable amateurs provides a unique mentorship environment. A student might find themselves discussing Rob Roy over coffee with a professor emeritus or getting bibliography tips from a member who happens to own a vast Scott first-edition collection. These interactions, although informal, are part of the academic impact the Society has – it keeps Sir Walter Scott in the conversation on campus and offers a supplement to formal education, where learning is driven by passion and curiosity.

In summary, the Sir Walter Scott Society’s academic contributions lie in its role as a bridge between formal scholarship and hobbyist enthusiasm. It extends the University of Toronto’s engagement with literary studies into a club setting where ideas can be batted around freely. It has helped maintain Toronto as a node in the global network of Scott scholarship and fandom. Through regular meetings at U of T, scholarly presentations, and participation in academic events, the Society ensures that Sir Walter Scott’s works continue to be studied and celebrated in U of T’s intellectual community. As one newsletter put it, having a group like this remain active for so long is quite remarkable, and it stands as part of U of T’s broader literary heritage.

Membership Details and How to Join

Membership Composition: The Society’s membership has always been a blend of university affiliates and members of the general public – true to its “town and gown” origins. Unlike some university clubs that are restricted to students or faculty, the Sir Walter Scott Society is open to anyone in the Toronto area with a serious interest in Scott. Over the years it has attracted professors, librarians, writers, students, as well as professionals outside academia (from ministers to businesspeople) who simply enjoy Scott’s novels. Both men and women have been involved from the start (the early records note “gentlemen and their ladies” as members, reflecting the era’s phrasing). Today, membership likely ranges from academics to retirees and other literature lovers. The common denominator is a passion for Sir Walter Scott and the willingness to engage in literary discussion.

Joining Process: The Society is somewhat informal in its recruitment, and because it’s a relatively small, close-knit group, there isn’t a mass advertising of membership or a public sign-up form. Traditionally, new members often come via referral or personal introduction – for example, a professor might invite a promising student, or a current member might bring a friend who loves Scott to a meeting. However, the Society is by no means secret or closed. Interested individuals can certainly become involved. In practice, someone who wishes to join or attend can do a few things:

• Contact the Society’s organizers: One way is to reach out to a known member or the current president/secretary. Since the Society doesn’t maintain a public website, this might be done by asking in the University of Toronto’s English Department or alumni circles if there is a contact person. Often, the Department of English or the Faculty of Arts & Science may know of the Society’s existence and have an email or phone number for one of its officers (especially if a faculty member is actively involved).
• Attend a Meeting as a Guest: The Society has been known to welcome guests. If someone hears about an upcoming meeting (for instance, through a library notice board or via a member), they could attend as a visitor. After experiencing a session, they can express interest in joining. Typically, the Society would then add them to the mailing list or roster for future meetings.
• Join Related Clubs or Events: Because the Sir Walter Scott Society intersects with other Scottish literary and cultural groups in Toronto, an interested person might first encounter Society members at events like a St. Andrew’s Society lecture, a Burns Night, or a Scottish Studies seminar. Networking at these events could lead to an invitation to the Scott Society. For example, the Society has collaborated with the “Oor Club” (a Scottish cultural pub night) in the past; someone active in such circles could easily get connected.

Membership Dues: While specific information isn’t provided in sources, many similar literary societies charge a nominal annual fee (for venue costs, tea/coffee at meetings, etc.). It’s likely the Sir Walter Scott Society has (or had) small dues or meeting fees. Founding documents from the 1940s are not readily available, but given the Society’s longevity, any dues would have been kept modest to encourage participation. (For instance, the Dickens Fellowship in Toronto historically charged an annual subscription; the Scott Society may have a similar practice.) If one joins, the secretary/treasurer (formerly Helen Smith, as noted) would inform them of any dues schedule.

Current Status: As of the latest information (early 2020s), the Society was active and led by President Harry Ferguson until his death in 2021. It is presumed that the Society continues, potentially under new leadership, though details have not been widely publicized. Interested newcomers should not be discouraged by the lack of a flashy online presence; the Society likely still meets in some form (perhaps virtually during the pandemic years, and resuming in-person as conditions allow). Reaching out via the University or through the Toronto arts/literary community is the best way to find out meeting times and membership info.

In short, joining the Sir Walter Scott Society is a matter of showing up with interest and making yourself known. The group has always valued enthusiastic readers of Scott, and membership is inclusive. Given the informal nature, prospective members may have to do a bit of legwork to make contact, but once they do, they can expect a warm welcome into this circle of Scott devotees.

Contact Information and Online Presence

One challenge in learning about or contacting the Sir Walter Scott Society of U of T is that it has a very minimal online footprint. The Society does not maintain an official website or social media account dedicated to its activities (as far as current research can determine). This is perhaps unsurprising for a longstanding club whose key members formed their habits in a pre-internet era. However, there are several resources and avenues one can use to find information or get in touch:

• University of Toronto Channels: The Society is an independent club, but because it meets at U of T, one way to find it is through the University. An inquiry to the Department of English or the Alumni Relations office at U of T might yield a contact. Often, niche clubs like this are known to long-time faculty or librarians. For example, a reference librarian at the U of T Libraries (especially one specializing in literature) might know whom to contact about the Society, or might have archived material about its past events.
• Newsletters and Publications: The Edinburgh University Club of Toronto (EUCT) has published articles about the Society in its newsletter. Notably, EDUCT News January 2010 contained a historical piece on the Society, and EDUCT News January 2022 included a tribute to Harry Ferguson which mentioned his role in the Society (). These newsletters are available online on the University of Edinburgh’s alumni website. They provide not only history but context on recent activities. Checking the archives of EDUCT News (or contacting the Edinburgh University Club of Toronto) could provide leads on current Society contacts. For example, the 2022 memorial note about Ferguson was written by fellow club members who might also be involved in the Scott Society going forward.
• The Scottish Studies Foundation (Canada) and The Scots Canadian Newsletter: Because the Society intersected with the Scottish Studies academic community, sometimes news of its events found its way into publications like The Scots Canadian (the newsletter of the Scottish Studies Foundation). In one issue, a professor notes that “the Sir Walter Scott Society, [in] Toronto, invited me to talk about my research” in a welcoming setting (). While this was a passing mention, it confirms the Society’s collaborative spirit. The Scottish Studies Foundation or related organizations might be able to direct inquiries to the Society as well, given the overlap in membership.
• Library and Archives: It’s possible that records of the Society (such as old meeting minutes, programs, or correspondence) have been donated to an archive, though no specific archive is cited in sources. The University of Toronto Archives or the Fisher Rare Book Library might hold some collections related to literary societies. Additionally, the personal archives of notable members (e.g. Ronald Morton Smith or Ernest Dale) if preserved, could mention the Society. However, locating such materials would require archival research. For immediate contact, relying on living memory and current networks is more practical.
• Social Media: There is no official Facebook page or Twitter account for the Society known. However, other Toronto Scottish groups on social media sometimes reference related content (for instance, the St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto tweeted a birthday remembrance for Sir Walter Scott, which indicates interest in Scott in the community, though not directly about the Society). A determined seeker might post in a local literature forum or a U of T alumni Facebook group asking about the Sir Walter Scott Society; given its long history, someone is likely to respond with information.

In conclusion, while the Sir Walter Scott Society of the University of Toronto operates in a somewhat low-profile, offline manner, it certainly exists within a network of more visible institutions. By tapping into university departments, Scottish cultural organizations, or the documented references on the Edinburgh club’s website and alumni newsletters, one can find pathways to connect with the Society. For those interested, the effort to make contact is well worth it – it opens the door to a treasure trove of Scott knowledge and a community of dedicated literary friends.

Online Resources and References:

• EDUCT News (January 2010, January 2022) – Alumni newsletters containing articles on the Sir Walter Scott Society of U of T
• The Scots Canadian (Scottish Studies Foundation Newsletter, Summer 2005) – Mention of a guest lecture hosted by the Society in Toronto.
• Interview with Harry Stewart Ferguson (Scottish Corpus) – An oral history where Ferguson discusses his lifelong reading of Scott and notes “it’s no accident that today I’m the president of the Sir Walter Scott Society at the University of Toronto,” giving personal insight into the Society’s impact (SCOTS - Interview with Harry Ferguson for Scottish Readers Remember Project).