Mary Macdonald, her brother Fergus MacKenzie; sister-in-law Caro MacLeod; cousins the Fraser's and all their families who have had to emigrate from the Isle of Skye during the "Clearances". The story follows the four families from Scotland, on the ship out and to the NSW colony in 1850's. Mary does not cope with the changes and losses that occur in the first months in the colony. The other women in the family rely on her and she nearly crumbles. Through accidents, losses, disabilities that occur to various family members, trials, floods, and hard work the families struggle together and forge a strong bond with their new country.