Police constable Hamish Macbeth is baffled by two apparently unrelated mysteries: a huge quantity of table salt has been stolen from Rory Campbell's general store; and Geordie Robb, a local bully, is missing. Hamish outwits his superiors when he makes a connection between the two mysteries.

Major Maclean stages a robbery to make a false insurance claim. Before Hamish can settle things quietly, Inspector Bruce instigates a major surveillance operation.

A strange premonition, two escaped convicts on the run who injure Hamish's dog, Wee Jock, lead Hamish on a quest for revenge. TV John rounds up a posse to prevent Hamish from doing something he'll regret.