1891: The rich, aristocratic Fairbairn family have occupied Lochlee Castle in Argyllshire for the past five hundred years. The present head of the family, the Earl of Rothbury, is celebrating joyous times with the engagement of his second daughter, Laura. Joined by his wife, two sons, and eight other daughters, all seems set for a happy future for the Fairbairns, until someone with a grudge against the Earl visits the nearby Rowen Tree, which the Scots believe to hold magical powers, and curses the family, wishing them all appalling unhappiness.

Soon it seems the whole family is doomed, with tragedy and heartbreak around every corner. Can the surviving Fairbairns show bravery in adversity and carve out happy and successful lives, against all odds?