A loose adaptation of the Dr. Finlay short stories by the Scottish writer and physician Archibald Joseph "A. J." Cronin. Instead of the experienced and disillusioned version of Finlay from the original stories, Alan Finlay is still a relatively young professional in the television series. He is the junior partner in a medical practice, while his senior partner Dr Angus Cameron is a seasoned veteran. The regular cast includes their reliable housekeeper and receptionist Janet MacPherson, and the rival physician Dr Alexander Snoddie. Snoddie strongly dislikes and distrusts Finlay, but he is smitten with Janet.