The novel tells the story of Archie Weir, a youth born into an upper-class Edinburgh family.

Because of his Romantic sensibilities and sensitivity, Archie is estranged from his father, who is depicted as the coarse and cruel judge of a criminal court.

But the older Kirstie discovers the truth and tells the brothers, who break the jail and release Archie.

B. Sellar was staged at The Gateway Theatre in Edinburgh in 1956 and 1958,[5] with Tom Fleming in the role of Lord Weir.

[6] Hermiston, an opera by Robin Orr, was staged during the Edinburgh International Festival in 1975.