Uncovering Sir Walter Scott's creative inspiration

Description of impact

in 2004, Professor Alison Lumsden from the University of Aberdeen was called upon to revisit Reliquiae Trotcosienses and assist with preparing the manuscript for publication. Through various research projects at the University, Professor Lumsden had acquired unparalleled knowledge of Walter Scott and his creative practices and developed expertise in reading Scott’s handwriting. Alongside Professor Gerard Carruthers from the University of Glasgow, she was instrumental in transcribing and reinterpreting the contents which became the first complete edition of the text.

Project summary and aims

Walter Scott was best known for his historical novels and poetry, but it was one of his unpublished final manuscripts that held the key to a fuller understanding of the relationship between his personal collections and his writing.

Outcomes to Date / Future Developments

Impact status	Impact Completed (Open)
Impact date	2004