In recognition of his valuable services in aid of the Allied cause during the Great War; of his successful efforts on behalf of various war charities; of his unceasing labours to cement the ties of kinship between the Mother Country and the Dominions; and of his pre-eminence as an exponent of Scottish song and humour.
"It is a wonderful thing, a signal honour, to be honoured in your own city. I say Edinburgh is my city - it became my city when Portobello annexed it. I believe that was about 31 or 32 years ago. Anyway the honour is greater because it was my father's city, my grandfather's city, the city of romance, Edinburgh. Over its cobbled 'causeyed' streets the feet of the wild clansmen have hurried; up its shaded closes their slogans have rung. Round its grim rock wars have raged, and alike in its palaces and towers, and under its humblest roofs, poets have dreamed and lovers have sung. From its barracks men have marched to make the word freedom great and holy by the shedding of their blood. Through all its grim conflicts there has ever been the urge of the same great liberty. So Edinburgh all down history has been the centre and the symbol of things that cannot die."