The Hector had been transporting immigrants for several years; had previously brought a batch of Scottish emigrants over to Boston in 1770. The ship was owned by a Mr Pagan, a merchant in Greenock Scotland. Together with a Dr Witherspoon, Pagan bought three shares of land in Pictou. They hired a John Ross to act as their recruiting agent for settlers. The offer to the settlers was free passage, free provisions for a year, and a farm. The Hector recruited settlers first at Greenock, then Lochbroom (Rossshire). Most got on at Lochbroom; only 3 familes and 5 single men took up the offer at Greenock. The unnamed piper in the passenger list came on board at the last minute.

The voyage lasted 11 weeks. In many places the wood in the Hector had gone rotten. A gale off the coast of Newfoundland drove them backwards; it took them 14 days to regain the progress they had made. Dysentry and smallpox took 18 of the children. 

Upon arrival, there was no cleared land waiting for them, no shelter and the promised provisions did not materialise. Winter was approaching, and there was no time to plant crops that year. As the lands promised to them were three miles into the forest, so that they wouldn't even be able to fish the harbour, the settlers refused to settle those lands. When the provisions did arrive, the company therefore refused to give them any provisions. They then seized the provisions.

The passenger list was compiled by William McKay, or one of his four sons. He, his wife and sons were passengers on the ship. 

[many of the children as listed as being the "child of " someone, who does not appear elsewhere on the passenger list. For instance, a Hugh Fraser is listed as being the child of "Donald", but there is no "Donald Fraser" on the list.]

Additional Note: There were two lists: a MacKay list and a McKenzie list. The list followed was the McKay list, with McKenzie deviations noted.