Annual Saltire Society Lecture

Andrew Dewar Gibb was one of the first leaders of the Scottish National Party and this political involvement was the reason why his significant role in the foundation of the Saltire Society in 1936 was carefully obscured at the time. That role has still not been clarified by work on the Society's history and the lecture will draw on the hitherto neglected evidence on the subject in Gibb's own archive (now in the National Library of Scotland). This will show how in Gibb's view the Saltire Society was an important initiative consistent, not only with his political agenda, but also with his work on Scots law as Regius Professor of Law at Glasgow University. The problem for Gibb was not so much regaining Scottish independence as reviving Scottish self-esteem and sense of worth. It will be suggested that this was why Gibb admired the examples set by Hitler and Mussolini in Germany and Italy respectively. But his position was complex and he should not be dismissed as merely an inter-war fascist.

Tickets are free. A wine reception will follow the lecture. Donations to the Saltire Society are welcome.

The lecture is supported by Laura Scott in memory of her husband, former Convenor and Saltire Society President Paul Henderson Scott.

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