Saintsbury, George Edward Bateman; and others

A meeting was held at Edinburgh University on Saturday 22 September 1906 to form a branch of the English Association. Professor George Saintsbury was voted to the Chair and he moved the resolution 'That a Scottish branch of the English Association be and is hereby formed'. The resolution was seconded by Dr. H. Bellyse Baildon. The objects of the English Association were: to afford opportunities for exchange and co-operation among those interested in English language and literature; to help and maintain correct use of English; to promote the language as an essential element in national education; to discuss methods of teaching; and, to encourage and facilitate the advanced study of English language and literature. After some seventy years, in May 1976, William Aitken, Honorary Treasurer of the Association, wrote that the Edinburgh branch, or local centre, would close 'in view of the state of the declining membership and the lack of office-bearers'. Association funds would be donated to the University Library which would also keep the branch records.