It is 1968, and after twenty years of marriage, farmer Fergus McKenzie and his beloved Kirsteen are about to be parted for the first time as Kirsteen sets off for Glasgow to help nurse a friend's mother. Fergus knows he'll miss her more than anything, but with his friends and family around him, and his faithful Border collie Heinz at his side, he reckons he can survive. But when a visitor appears dramatically at the farmhouse in the shape of a beautiful young woman, routine turns into chaos and gives rise to avid speculation throughout the close-knit community. They are all fascinated by the mystery guest - none more so than Fergus, whose emotions are thrown into turmoil as he is forced choose between loyalty to Kirsteen and the tempting attractions of youth, while his passions are played out under the watchful eyes of the islanders.