This collection of stories is based on the changing lives of our Mackay relatives, all crofters born in Acheilidh, Rogart or Torroble, Lairg in the county of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland from 1800 onwards. In particular, it follows the life of Elsie Mackay of Torroble, who would leave the croft to pursue a most extraordinary life.

Many Mackays left Scotland to live in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the USA, as well as elsewhere in Britain. Only a handful, including Jimmy Mackay of Acheilidh, for whom this book is dedicated, were to remain in their homeland on their family's croft.