The novel centers on a group of itinerant Scots referred to as "travellers," "tinkers," or "The Mist People."

The travellers are quick to distinguish themselves from "gypsies" and are a clannish group. For the most part, they spend their days roaming across Scotland, except when they camp for the winter so their children can receive the required hundred days of schooling. The travellers make their living in various ways, selling baskets, poaching fish and small animals, searching for pearls, and begging for food and clothing.

Over the years, the travellers have developed a number of traditions and beliefs which shape their thinking.

They see little value in formal education, believe their children should learn by "doing," burn other travellers' tents or trailers when they die, and do not participate in legal or formal wedding ceremonies. They also have fairly rigid notions about gender roles...