Pub history

The Sir Walter Scott

Born in Edinburgh, in 1771, Walter Scott produced a string of highly successful novels, such as Rob Roy and Ivanhoe. Knighted in 1820, Scott practically reinvented Highland society and the clan tartan. His interest in things Scottish led him to rediscover the Scottish crown and sceptre, which had been left, forgotten, in Edinburgh Castle. He also fought a successful defence of Scottish banknotes, with his portrait on current Bank of Scotland notes, in memory of his efforts. Sir Walter Scott died in 1832, with a grandiose monument erected to him eight years later in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.