Dumfries, Scotland in 1910. Life for Kate Kennedy, the old miner's daughter, was never easy, but for her had it tougher than most. She is just 13 when her mother dies and there after Kate takes over the running of the household and acts as a mother to her younger siblings. When Kate grows up, she decides to marry Charlie. But sometimes it seemed as if all her great plans and secret dreams had been in vain...