The author of this illustrated journal lived at Bedford Villa, Richmond Hill, Clifton, Bristol, and was probably Ada Margaret Leech, wife of Charles Octavius Harvey, Wine and Spirit Merchant, Bristol.

The writer and `Charles` travelled from Bristol to Melrose by train and visited Abbotsford, Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey before leaving for Edinburgh. Queen Victoria had recently been in Edinburgh and there are numerous pasted in printed drawings of scenes of her visit. The Edinburgh International Exhibition of 1886 on the Meadows was a highlight of the writer`s visit to Edinburgh. From Edinburgh the party moved on to the Trossachs and Glagow by train, steamer and coach before leaving Scotland for London. There they visited the Colonial and Indian Exhibition before returning to Bristol.

The writer comments humorously on the people encountered both locals and fellow visitors, on the food served in inns, their accommodation as well as places visited.

The major part of the journal relates to the visit to Scotland the route of which owes much to Sir Walter Scott`s writings. The journal is illustrated with numerous pasted in photographs, printed drawings, `The Official Penny guide to the Old Edinburgh Street` at the Edinburgh International Exhibition and the programme for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London.