SIR WALTER SCOTT
( 1771- 1832)

Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh. He was a lawyer, but his writing became so popular that he gained an enormous following and respect.

He enjoyed success with his anonymous publications of the romantic 'Waverley novels' and we can thank Scott for introducing the 'historical novel' into our literature.

Although he was extravagant and constantly in debt throughout his life, he became a society figure and highly influential.

He was a loyal patriot and in 1818 permission was granted by the Prince Regent, later George IV, for Scott to carry out a search of Edinburgh Castle where he helped to uncover the Scottish Crown Jewels which had been hidden, whereabouts unknown, since the Treaty of The Union in 1707.

Scott was invited to attend he coronation of George IV in 1821, and he also helped organise the King's visit to Scotland the following year.

Scott died in 1832 at his home, Abbotsford House.