The memoirs, which are chiefly based on John Brand's diary, begin in 1669, the year of his birth, and continue to 1727, ten years before his death, with a gap from 1711 to 1714, for which period he says that he can find no diary. He describes his young days at the College of Edinburgh; his employment as a tutor after his graduation as Master of Arts; his appointment to Bo'ness; and his life after his marriage. The memoirs are chiefly of a personal interest since they were written for the benefit of his children (folio 52 verso) but he alludes to current events of interest — the death of King William; the Union; the rebellion of 1715, etc.