The Jacobite rebellion has impoverished many families who support the cause of James II, created enemies of neighbours and left Scotland in a state of turmoil.

The Ashtons want to restore their fortunes by an alliance with the powerful Bucklaw family, through marriage between the beautiful Lucia and Lord Arturo.

ACT 1

A secluded glen
The henchmen of Enrico Ashton are searching because an intruder has been spotted. Enrico confides to the family chaplain, Raimondo, that he believes that his sister has been badly affected by the recent death of their mother. His Captain of the Guard, Normanno, scoffs at the idea. Every one knows that she pines for love of Edgardo Ravenswood, the son of their old enemy. Enrico swears that he will be revenged on Ravenswood and orders the men to find him.

When they leave, Lucia and her companion Alisa arrive to keep an assignation with Edgardo. She is fearful because at this very spot she saw the apparition of a ghostly maiden who warned her that her love would end tragically. Edgardo rushes on to say he has been sent on a mission overseas and must say goodbye temporarily. He promises on his return that he will go to Lucia's brother and try to make peace. Lucia persuades him that this would be the worst thing to do. Edgardo swears that he will never stop loving Lucia and will return to marry her as soon as he can. They exchange rings and bid each other a sad farewell.

ACT 2

Scene 1. A Hall in the Ashton Family Home.
Enrico knows that forming an alliance with Arturo Bucklaw's powerful family is the only salvation for his clan. It is imperative that he persuade Lucia to agree to marry Arturo, who is already on his way. After cajoling and threatening her, he produces a forged letter purporting to say that Edgardo has married someone else. In despair and urged on by Raimondo who begs her to remember her mother and help the family out of this desperate situation, she finally agrees to the marriage.

Scene 2
The wedding celebrations are in full swing, as the Ashton family and retainers await the arrival of Arturo. They know he is their salvation. He is warmly greeted but becomes aware that Lucia is not present. Enrico tries to warn Arturo that Lucia is in mourning for her mother and may not seem happy to see him. Her faltering entry, supported by Raimondo and Alisa, confirms her state of mind. No sooner has she reluctantly signed the nuptial agreement than Edgardo forces his way in. He has come to claim his bride. Just as it seems that violence will ensue, Raimondo orders them to put up their swords in the name of God. He shows Edgardo the signed marriage contract, saying it is too late for him. Edgardo assumes that Lucia has betrayed him and demands the return of his ring before storming out. Lucia collapses in despair.

ACT 3

Scene 1
As the Wedding festivities continue, Raimondo enters to tell everyone that Lucia had lost her senses and killed Arturo. As they digest this news, Lucia herself enters, dishevelled and in a trance-like state. She is unaware of what has happened. She recalls the apparition which foretold a tragic end, she imagines that Edgardo is with her and prepares for their wedding. Enrico is summoned and is filled with remorse for what he has done to his sister. Lucia believes she has died and will only find happiness when Edgardo joins her in heaven. The scene ends with her falling unconscious at the point of death.

Scene 2
Edgardo has come to the tombs of his ancestors and laments what he believes is Lucia's infidelity. He can see no point in living without his loved one. He hears the sounds of guests leaving the Ashton home and asks why they are lamenting. They tell him that Lucia is dead. Raimondo arrives to try to console him but hearing his love's funeral bell, he determines to join her in heaven and stabs himself, bringing the saga to an end.