When Dr. Hugh Beaton dies of pneumonia, his son Ian decides to leave his new position in Edinburgh to take over his father's medical practice on Eisdalsa. As July 1948 approaches, the remote self-sufficient community of Eisdalsa in Argyll anticipates great changes in the provision of its health services. While it is generally agreed the proposals will be for the common good, the Beaton doctors are faced with significant career changes which threaten the unity of this close knit family.