Evelyn Hood

Brothers James and Innes Lowrie return home to their wives and families after the war, Innes working for a shipbuilder and James returning to sea and the family's fishing business. Sister Bethany Pate and Innes have sons and heirs to go into the family business, but James does not.

One year after Weem Lowrie’s death, his wife Jess and children are still living in his shadow, bound by the strict decisions he imposed when he was alive.

Morag Weir's young life is full of responsibilities: caring for the ailing Sander Weir, the man who has raised her as his daughter; whilst managing his household and shipping business.

When Rowena and Neil Lindsay's mother tragically dies in a boating accident, her father – devastated by his wife's death – is unable to care for them. Wanting the best for Rowena, Fergus and Sarah dream of a society wedding for Rowena to a wealthy man.

In the midst of a street brawl, Margaret Knox first encounters Islay McInnes, a Highland girl struggling to support herself and her two cousins in the Paisley slums. Their two lives are polar opposites.

Christian Knox dreams of a life beyond that of a Paisley housewife and at thirteen is determined to further her education. Headstrong and enterprising, Christian soon becomes the manager, representing the local weaver women.

After tragically losing her husband at sea, Eppie Watt must support herself, her daughter Charlotte and mother-in-law and sets to work packing and selling herring in Portsoy Harbour.

Orphaned Elizabeth Cunningham is taken on as a companion to the lady of the Montgomery household at the age of fourteen. When the mistress dies, Elizabeth becomes housekeeper...

Meg and Duncan Montgomery move to the flourishing Scottish town of Paisley to find work in the thriving weaving industry. Soon Meg is expecting their first child, Margaret. To make ends meet, they live in Peter Todd’s household, Duncan’s employer and Meg’s days are filled with domestic duties.