The journal comprises chiefly the account of a voyage, August 1788, in the revenue cutter ‘Royal George’ from Mountstuart, Isle of Bute, to Islay (folio 2), Mull and Lismore (folios 5-12), Staffa and Iona (folios 26-27), North Uist and Lewis (folios 28-30), Skye and Raasay (folios 30-34), Canna (folios 34-41), and Oban and Kerrera (folio 42).

There is also a fragment of journal, 12-19 October, relating to a later cruise in Loch Fyne (folio 43).

Also included are observations on Barra (folio 52), North Uist (folio 54), South Uist (folio 56) and a provisional sailing itinerary (folio 58), made for Lord Mountstuart by his companion, Dr John Stuart, minister of Luss, and incomplete notes, undated, by Lord Mountstuart on an Irish tour (folios 60-71). Particular account is taken in the journals of the economic conditions, natural history, antiquities and architecture of places visited.