The writer and his companion, Alexander Brodie, travelled by post chaise and on horseback from London to Newark, Harrogate, Kendal, Penrith and Carlisle. They then rode to Langholm, Hawick and Edinburgh where they spent a week with friends. Their pastimes included visiting the theatre and attending balls. In his journal, the writer comments on Edinburgh society and the habits of its leading citizens. From Edinburgh the companions travelled north to Kinross, Perth, Dunkeld, Blair Atholl, and Aviemore and on to Brodie Castle and Elgin, their ultimate destination. There are accounts of a visit to Elgin Cathedral, sea-bathing at Lossiemouth and a ball at Fort George. The writer is a thoughtful diarist who comments on agriculture, the inns and roads as well as places visited and people encountered. Five water-colour drawings, including one of Gordon Castle, are loosely enclosed at ff.53-57.