Personal crisis takes Hamish to a remote island from which he intends never to return. But he is not alone. Meanwhile, his absence from Lochdubh is keenly felt when his over-zealous replacement makes himself a nuisance.

A gang of ruthless villains descends on Lochdubh, hot on the heels of young tearaway Frankie Bryce and his Aunty Jean, Isobel's best friend in Glasgow. Isobel brings them to Lachie Junior's funeral parlour where Lachie is happy to shelter them - especially once he claps eyes on Jean. Hamish, however, has a big problem. He knows Tam Flood and his henchmen are dangerous, but he can do nothing until they do something. Ignoring Hamish's warnings, TV John takes pre-emptive action, the villagers close ranks, and the old local legend of Wee MacPhee raises its ugly head.