S.D. Scott was born in Westbrook, Nova Scotia where he lived on a farm until beginning his apprenticeship as a ship's blacksmith. He attended Dalhousie University for a year, but he was forced to return to work periodically as a blacksmith while also working on the college paper. In 1876 Scott completed his M.A. and became editor of the Sackville Post. He edited newspapers in Halifax and St. John for 25 years. In 1909 Scott came to Vancouver to work until 1917 on the News-Advertiser.

The St. Andrews and Caledonian Society in Vancouver was organized in 1886. Its objectives were to provide relief and mutual assistance to natives of Scotland and their descendants, to encourage a national spirit, and to promote Scottish music and literature. The Society sponsored The Caledonian Games annually and also held banquets honouring the poet Robert Burns and celebrating St. Andrew's Day.