diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 01d96a2..76b4e6d 100644
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@
 
 import os
 import shutil
+from pathlib import Path
 
 from setuptools import find_namespace_packages, setup  # type: ignore
 
@@ -38,7 +39,7 @@
         "Tracker": "https://github.com/CQCL/pytket-qulacs/issues",
     },
     description="Extension for pytket, providing access to the Qulacs Simulator",
-    long_description=open("README.md").read(),
+    long_description=(Path(__file__).parent / "README.md").read_text(),
     long_description_content_type="text/markdown",
     license="Apache 2",
     packages=find_namespace_packages(include=["pytket.*"]),