Glasgow, 1928. As the Depression takes hold, a young woman embarks upon life. Jess Crichton is the bright one of the family, a sensible, conscientious girl whose self-inflicted failure at school makes her all the more determined to make something of herself -- unlike her frivolous sister Peggy. Jess' first job as a shorthand typist brings her into contact with people very different from herself -- even her ever-critical mother, always so quick to chide -- cannot fail but be impressed. But there are lessons to be learned along the way, and Jess' first experiences with the opposite sex do not bode well. Until she travels to Skye on holiday, and her mind is opened up to new horizons... As the country heads towards a second World War, she embarks upon a journey of self-discovery that will, ultimately, lead to true love...