Mothers and Daughters

When working class Christy Craig marries the wild and wealthy Andrew Melville, an unequal union is formed, frowned upon by both families. While Andrew is away at sea, Christy pursues a career producing perfume and cosmetics, causing tension with Andrew who believes she should devote herself to their two small children and himself. When a family tragedy drives Andrew to New Zealand, Christy is left at home juggling family life and revitalising her father's soap-making business.

Isla McAdam is summoned to Paisley by a lawyer following her husband's suicide, only to discover that she was never truly married to Kenneth McAdam, a shameless man who had been leading a double life. Kenneth's unscrupulous actions have left very little to support either of his families and when tragedy strikes, Ainslie's mother, Catherine, becomes increasingly unstable, creating havoc for both Isla and Ainslie. Despite being thrown together in unexpected and distressing circumstances, Isla and Ainslie gradually realise that they can offer one another support.

By day young Mirren Jarvis works in the twisting department at Ferguslie Thread Mills and by night she works in a local fried-fish shop. She also cares for her sick mother and forgoes the freedom and luxuries her friends enjoy, dreaming of the day her fiancé, Donald, will send for her to come and live with him in America. In the aftermath of the Great War, many of the women in Mirren's life are struggling.