In recognition of his eminent public services and of his high position as Prime Minister of Canada.
"I number among my closest and dearest friends many Canadians whose early days were spent in Edinburgh. From them I have come to understand better than in any other way what Edinburgh means to Scotland and the Scottish race in all lands of the Empire where the children of this country have led the van in the march of civilisation, for in their hearts is held the memory of those great and enduring triumphs which, while they have made this old capital one of the noblest cities in the world, have made its people powerful and progressive citizens of whatever country they in their wisdom have elected to inhabit.
You in Scotland have given the Canadians much to be thankful for. You have held before them the attributes of mind from which achievements spring, you have helped to teach them patience and steadfastness of purpose, and the laws by which the conduct of their lives has been fashioned. You have sent among us men and women who have brought with them their Scotland, and have builded up the very bedrock upon which the prosperity and happiness of Canada unassailably rest."