Frederick Scott is remembered

Friend, councillor and family man: Frederick Scott is remembered

As published by the Hants Journal on April 29th, 2010

Christy Marsters

“He was able to lace on skates well into his 80’s whenever ice formed on the lake at the family farm, as a younger man; he played hockey with the St. Croix Aces and the Hants County Farmers in The Windsor District League. An avid reader, he had great interest in political history and public affairs.” -- It was one segment of his obituary; yet, it seemed to well describe the ambitions of a long-time locally elected official.

Frederick Scott, a West Hants Municipal Councillor of 15 years and a founding member of the NDP, passed away on April 17; at the age of 98. On April 24, a memorial service was held in his honour at the St. Croix United Church.

Deputy Warden Gary Cochrane says Scott was a councillor before his time, yet he still knew him in later years through church and as an active member in the community.

“[Scott and his wife Leola] were really community orientated,” Cochrane said. “They’d both dedicated their whole lives to community ... and whenever you saw one you saw the other.”

“What I admire most about Scott was that he was a hard worker but he never liked to take the credit for it ... he just helped whenever he was called on,” Cochrane said. “I’m quite sure the community at large is going to miss him.”

“He worked off the land ... Fred was a good old-fashioned farmer,” Cochrane added. “I think his openness and being there; whenever he was needed to assist, was what this community really appreciated about him.”

In 1934, Scott began operating Elm Farm after attending the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro.

Warden Richard Dauphinee said Scott offered extra parking at his field in St. Croix (in 1998) when the Canadian Senior Men’s Fastpitch Championships took place.

He just agreed to let everyone park there for free and it’s because he has always been such a community minded person, Dauphinee said. “He’ll always be missed.”

I think his openness and being there, whenever he was needed to assist, was what this community really appreciated about him." - Gary Cochrane

Fredrick’s Nephew Ian Scott said his uncle was a good neighbour; yet, he was not one to brag. “[He] knew it wasn’t special honours or personal gain that mattered most but the simple sense of accomplishment that came from putting ideas into action.”

He was a great source of encouragement for young people too, Ian said. “He wouldn’t skimp on praise when it came to teaching children. Even in his 90’s he would cheer in great pleasure to see simple things -- like a well split piece of wood go flying or a well swung axe make good kindling.”

In politics, Fredrick was deeply committed to his cause, Ian said. “Seeing the NDP gain support of Nova Scotians in 2009 was something he never thought he would live to see.”

Family roots nurtured his focus to make things better for others, through his political actions, Ian said. “As a municipal elected official ... and, as a member of the CCF who ran provincially.”

“I especially liked going to the barn at milking time with Fred,” Ian said. “It was a time we were alone to chat while we worked.

“I recall once, as a student, when Ecology was becoming a public issue and I thought I knew everything; we were talking about various cycles: nitrogen cycles; water cycles and energy cycles,” Ian added. “What profound discussion we had that day I don’t recall, yet, as we looked at the lively brook full with the promise of spring – his answer is one I will never forget.”

That is how life works – it all keeps going around and around,” Scott told his nephew.

Frederick Charles Gillmore Scott (1911-2010)

Fred Scott at age 98 was the last remaining member of his generation of Scotts - the 4th generation of a Scottish family from Forfar to live in Nova Scotia. Currently the family includes individuals who comprise the 5th to 10th generation across North America. As the last surviving member of a prior generation Fred Scott was an important link to the early years of settlement of the family in Nova Scotia, and is much missed by his family.

Frederick Charles Gillmore Scott

Passed away in: Ste. Croix, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed away on: 17/04/2010

The memorial for Frederick Charles Gillmore Scott of Ste. Croix, Hants Co., Nova Scotia, as published by the Hants Journal on April 29th, 2010 is now available through the In Memoriam website.

Scott, Frederick Charles Gillmore - 98 of Ste. Croix, passed away on April 17, 2010. He served as an elected member of Hants Municipal Council for 15 years and ran provincially for the CCF. Committed to the principles of democratic socialism, he was a dedicated volunteer within the co-op and credit union movement and a founding member of the NDP. Ordained an elder in the United Church of Canada 72 years ago, he was an active member until his death.

After attending Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro he returned to Ste. Croix in 1934 to become the 4th generation to operate Elm Farm. A successful dairy farmer, in retirement he maintained his woodlot, a commercial rhubarb patch, and a beef herd for many years. He was an active gardener until his death.

Fred loved to walk, and for many people in Hants Co. he was known as 'the man who walks along the side of the road with a dog.'

He was able to lace on skates well into his 80's whenever ice formed on the lake at the family farm; as a younger man he played hockey with the Ste. Croix Aces and the Hants County Farmers in the Windsor District League. An avid reader he had a great interest in political history and public affairs. He enjoyed for many years singing bass with the Newport Men’s Choir.

Cherished by every member of his family, he is survived by sons Albert and John; grandson Robie; nieces and nephew Ruth Scott, Lillian Salmon (Winston), Ian Scott (Daphne); grand-nieces and nephews Tim Baxter; Denise, Susan and Karen Salmon; Rob, Andrew and Suzanne Scott. He was predeceased by his wife Leola Dexter Scott and son David; and his brother John (Jack) and sister-in-law Jean Scott.

Fred’s wish was to help advance medical education and scientific research and to that purpose he made provisions that his body would be donated to the medical school at Dalhousie University. His remains will be interred at a later date. His memorial service was held at Ste. Croix United Church on Saturday April 24, at 2 pm with reception that followed in the church hall.

Fred was a man who showed his appreciation and great affection for all those around him; he was highly regarded by those he met and when in hospitals had great regard for all staff, which was quickly reciprocated. Within the family circle he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and great uncle to his nephews and nieces.

Dedicated to the pastoral charge, he had special affection for the Ste. Croix church which was build on Scott land which his grandparents donated to the congregation. Fred and his father served as elders for over one century. Raised in the tradition of the Social Gospel where actions speak louder than words, he came by his concern for others, and the need to improve society, honestly; his namesake ancestor, Rev. George Gillmore of Ardoise was a pioneer Presbyterian minister in the district and his brother Rev. Jack Scott, served as a minister in Hants County as well as in four other provinces.

Fred was the son of Lillian Harvey and John Albert Scott; his father’s words written as a birthday greeting in 1929 still resound today.

“May your course through life be full of joy to yourself and others and when your own star shall set at life's close, may it set as the Morning Star that goeth not down behind the darkened West but melts away into the brightness of Heaven.
Lovingly,
Dad”

Sir Walter Scott's stolen Waterloo souvenir returned

The quaich was one of several items stolen from Abbotsford House in the 1990s. Picture by Paul Dodds

A stolen souvenir from the Battle of Waterloo has been returned to the Borders home of Sir Walter Scott.

The silver bowl, known as a quaich, was taken from Abbotsford House near Melrose in 1994.

However, it was spotted late last year in a French antiques market by silver expert Wynyard Wilkinson who identified it and arranged for its return.

The Waterloo Tree Quaich, one of many historic relics collected by Scott, will go on public display this weekend.

The piece is made from silver gilt and elm wood that was cut from a tree at the Waterloo battlefield.

Scott collected a fascinating array of objects during his lifetime Jacquie Wright Abbotsford Trust

The Duke of Wellington directed his troops from a position under the tree in 1815 and it subsequently became a target for souvenir hunters.

The timbers were used to make a number of prestigious pieces including Chippendale chairs for the Prince Regent in 1821, and a chair for the Duke of Wellington, which was presented to him in 1837.

The quaich dates from 1824 and was made by Joseph Angell of London.

It is engraved with Scott's motto, "Watch Well".

'Hugely grateful'

The quaich was one of a number of items stolen from Abbotsford when it was owned by his descendants, Dame Jean and Mrs Patricia Maxwell Scott.

Jacquie Wright, executive manager of the Abbotsford Trust, said it was "hugely grateful" to Mr Winyard for spotting and returning it.

"Scott collected a fascinating array of objects during his lifetime and we're delighted that the Waterloo Tree Quaich is back in the collection and can be seen and enjoyed by our visitors," she said.

The trust is currently trying to raise about £10m to secure the future of Scott's Borders home.

It is awaiting a decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund about a grant application for more than £4m and is also consulting with the public about its proposed plans for the attraction.

'This is probably the single most important planning application in the history of Galashiels

As published by Border Telegraph Thursday, 18th February, 2010
by Ally McGilvray


FEARS have been voiced that a supermarket could be built next to the historic home of Sir Walter Scott - if plans for a new visitor centre on a neighbouring site are approved.

Drew Tulley, former leader of Scottish Borders Council, spoke out at a meeting of Galashiels and Langlee Community Council after members were shown plans to develop Abbotsford House, near Galashiels, into a world-class tourist attraction.

He pointed out a number of planning applications for the site earmarked for the visitor centre car park had been rejected to protect the area from overdevelopment.

The former planning convener revealed that before the first house was built in Tweedbank it was agreed there would be no building in the field between the village and the A-listing building.

Speaking from the public gallery, MrTulley said: "I am a great supporter of Abbotsford but my fear is if these plans are approved it could open the way for commercial development in that field.

"We could of had a supermarket or non-food outlet there already had we not turned them down because there has been a lot of interest shown in that field in the past, and any development would weaken the case for future planning applications on what has been green belt land up until now."

The Abbotsford Trust argued it proposed to build the car park within a line of trees bordering the field and the Border Abbeys Way and revealed Scottish Borders Council and Historic Scotland were supportive of their plans.

Last month, the Border Telegraph revealed it has applied to Scottish Borders Council for planning permission to build a new visitor centre and cafe within the grounds, upgrade the main building and create a new large car park on adjacent farmland.

It also wants to create self-catering visitor accommodation in the Hope Scott Wing to cater for up to 12 people, as well as new interpretation facilties to conserve the collections inside - and a playpark inspired by characters from Sir Walter Scott's books.

The Trust has already secured much of the £10million required to upgrade the 200 baronial mansion with grants from various public bodies.

However, it has warned if it doesn't win enough support for the plans, Abbotsford - which is already losing £100,000 a year - will be forced to close within three years.

Tony Taylor, from The Abbotsford Trust, said: "This is an exceptionally important project which aims to create a legacy for one of the region's most important sons and through this, to help to attract more visitors to the area.

"It's an enterprise in which all Borders residents have a stake so we want to get as much feedback as possible before putting our final plans forward to Scottish Borders Council.

"Abbotsford needs to develop into a financially viable, world-class visitor attraction which is why these plans are so important.

"Visitor requirements are changing and there is immense competition from other regions so we need to create something very special that will make Abbotsford and Sir Walter Scott relevant to today's audiences and encourage as many people as possible to come here.

"In Scott and Abbotsford, we have a globally famous asset here in the Borders and we believe it's time to capitalise on that and establish Abbotsford as a heritage tourism focal point for the region from which we can all benefit."

But he added: "The support of the Borders public is crucial and we look forward to hearing their views."

Pre-planning consultations are underway with Community Councils in Selkirk, Melrose, Tweedbank and Galashiels in advance of an eventual planning submission to Scottish Borders Council. A larger public consultation event is also being planned for the coming weeks.

The consultations will inform those attending about the overall aims of the project and how it has progressed to date and will give them the chance to comment about the outline plans that have been developed for the house, visitor access and parking and a new visitor reception building.

All plans for the development of Abbotsford will depend on the Trust raising the necessary funds to take them forward. Fundraising efforts are currently underway and a final application for grant of over £4m from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be submitted later this month with a decision expected in May.

However, if the plans are approved and all funds raised, work could start on building the new visitor centre in September 2010 and be open in June 2011 and the project be completed by 2013.

Following a presentation on the plans at Galashiels and Langlee Community Council last week, community councillor Peter Roden said: "This is probably the single most important planning application in the history of Galashiels."

And community councillor Murray Dickson, President of the Old Gala Club, added: "From the historical society's point of view we fully support any development that attracts more visitors to Abbotsford and keeps the memory of Sir Walter Scott alive."

Rob Roy and Ivanhoe to get a modern £10m home in the Borders

As published by The Scotsman
10 February 2010

By BRIAN FERGUSON

TRUSTEES spearheading a £10 million campaign to transform the Borders home of one of Scotland's most celebrated writers have unveiled the first images of a new visitor centre to be built beside it.

The planned visitor centre at Abbotsford House, complete with café and shop, has been designed to fit in with the landscape, trustees say

They have also revealed that work is due to begin this year on a long-awaited restoration of Abbotsford, built by Sir Walter Scott near Melrose in the early 19th century.

The enduring legacy of the creator of the Waverley novels, Rob Roy and Ivanhoe will be explored in the striking new complex, to be built in a woodland area about 500 metres away from the existing baronial mansion.

The new building – which will also house a shop, café and reception area – will chart the changing face of Abbotsford estate, which had only a cottage and a farm steading when Scott arrived there in 1812.

The house was opened to the public in 1833, just five months after the writer's death, and was cared for by his direct descendants until the death of his great-great-great granddaughter in 2004.

However, it had been allowed to fall into decline and the number of visitors had slipped away due to its run-down state.

A group of trustees, headed by the Duke of Buccleuch, launched a campaign to save Abbotsford for the nation four years ago and won a pledge of £4.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund last year.

With Scottish Borders Council committing a £1.5m grant just before Christmas, the trustees announced yesterday that they were in a position to press ahead with the project later this year, subject to planning approval.

Historic Scotland has also been asked to support the project.

Community groups in the area are being given the chance to comment on the new building and the full-scale restoration and repair programme for the house over the next few weeks.

The entire project is expected to take about three years.

It will include the creation of six rooms of self-catering accommodation in the mansion, as well as new conservation and interpretation facilities and an education suite for school groups.

The visitor centre was designed by the same architects behind the restoration of Edinburgh's Festival Theatre and Usher Hall.

Trustee Tony Taylor said: "The site of the new building is a fair bit away from the house, in an area of woodland in the estate, and it has been very carefully designed to fit in with the landscape.

"It should make a huge difference to our understanding of Scott and his work.

"We don't yet know whether work will start first on the new building or the restoration but we're hoping to plan the work to ensure that Abbotsford remains open as normal every year from March to October."

David Parker, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: "Our vision is for Abbotsford to be a world-class heritage centre and tourism attraction for the Borders.

"Abbotsford has been an underused asset for the area for a long time now, and this project should make a huge difference to our understanding of the life and work of Sir Walter Scott."