In 1773 he was enticed by his Scottish friend James Boswell to accompany him on a tour through the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland. Both published books based on the journey. Johnson described his experience of Scotland. Boswell described Scotland's experience of Johnson.

Late But Live gives the two billious bores the chance to try and flog their travel guides to a new audience, 230 years after they made their journey.

Boswell hosts a book launch, interviewing Johnson, and discussing Scotland ancient and modern. Haggis is eaten. Pipes are played. Sacred highland cattle are ritually slaughtered. And Boswell finds that it is sometimes dangerous to meet your heroes.