In recognition of her Ladyship's devoted zeal and patriotism in the promotion and munificent support of useful and charitable institutions; also in consideration of her Ladyship's association with Edinburgh as an honoured descendant of one of its chief magistrates.
(Edinburgh's first woman Burgess - Grand-daughter of Thomas Coutts the great banker who, in 1813 with Scott, got the Freedom. John Coutts, Lord Provost 1742, great grandfather. In July, 1872, she had been presented with the Freedom of the City of London, the first case of a woman being admitted to that Fellowship.)
"In gatherings such as has been convened here to-day it is impossible not to recognise certain elements characteristic of our national life and habits, and it must ever be with a thrill of thankfulness that we recognise in these, mutual sympathy, loyalty to constituted authority and a generous recognition of services wherever attempted to be faithfully rendered. But upon the present occasion that feeling, I think, must be deepened and enhanced by recognising in your present act that you desire to place upon record your affectionate regard and high estimation in selecting for your youngest burgess a woman, and thereby evincing that you respect that household work which woman most fitly represents. No man could adequately represent that work which I think it is your intention, and which you are delighted, to honour this day."