Original subtitles

you

The trouble is, the estate's costing increasingly more to run than it can

possibly bring in. Well, of course, it always has.

What baffles me is why suddenly it's costing so much more than a few years

Well, the war has changed a great many things.

The cost of material and labour has absolutely shot up. Yes, I know you're

right.

It's only our foreign investments that keep us from being paupers.

And I'm afraid your West Indian investments are yielding less in real

they did formerly.

When troubles come,

Well, oh, I must make a move.

Laidlaw's expected at any moment.

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr Ritchie.

Would you like to come in now?

What now?

Now you leave the rest to us.

You make it sound so easy.

Ah, we've been bringing in hay and hooking tatty since we could stand up

straight.

How's that burn of yours?

Can you feel it moving yet?

Not yet.

Is it shining?

Only if you're looking for it.

That's a wee lassie you've got.

Well, well.

About six to eight weeks.

It's impossible to be more precise, but I'll give it priority, of course.

Oh, you could give me the materials.

The roof's in such a state I'd rather not leave it. With only to get an early

winter, it could be quite unsafe.

But you've so much to do.

With these long days, I'll make time.

Very well.

In that case, I'll arrange for the roofing materials to be brought up to

you're sure that's what you want to do now.

Yes. Right.

Have you seen the Major?

Aye, he was here earlier.

Just gone for a quick round of golf.

Mr Laidlaw. Ah, glad you could make it.

So James is considering selling off some land for the forester commission.

Nothing to worry about, Mr. Ritchie.

Early days yet.

I'm sorry.

Oh, you are back.

Where did you put the paraffin?

Tell me you forgot.

Yeah, I'll go down later, eh?

At least you remember the fourth.

Bill, Bill, Bill.

Everybody wants my money.

What's that?

Um, some purpose for the bike.

Who's your little girl?

Joy's a plenty, care's a few, for a special someone who is you. May you be

blessed and gay, because today is your birthday.

That's awful.

It's Andy Ishbell to remember I'm one year nearer the grave.

Is it your birthday today?

It can very well it is.

Don't you worry.

I'm in no mind to celebrate it.

Are you not ready?

In a minute.

We'll clean up the farm today and start shedding the land tomorrow.

I'm going down to Corrie Begg to help with the hay.

Well, they don't need you down there. They've got those tinkers helping,

I need you to help me.

All right.

So all of a sudden you need me?

Well, too bad.

If you're going to stay here, you work for your keep.

And that means working for me.

Go then.

And wait on Corrie back to the tankers.

Join your own tribe.

Wateray finds its own level.

Most folk, this might look like just another colour.

Never a great favourite of mine, I'm afraid.

Well, as it may be, Sir James, like it or not, it's the colour of the future.

The days of small mixed economy farming are over.

Gone the way of the Rundrick system.

We are on the eve of a second great agrarian revolution.

Elucidate. Gladly.

Sad as it may be, states such as this are faced with a choice.

Meet the future in future terms or go to the wall.

You don't think that's too bleak of you?

Afraid not.

But the overall picture is far from bleak.

A great deal of the land that the forestry have planted in recent years

of little intrinsic value to its owners.

You know, the sort of ground I'm sure only fit for sheep.

Hopeless for cash crops or even beef.

A lot of it, however, is ideal for tree planting.

If you ask me, Scotland's future lies in timber. Do I detect a note of bias?

Undoubtedly.

Look at Scandinavia.

Small country, small population, but healthy economy based on the forestation

and the timber industry.

Are you suggesting an outright sale or some form of leasehold?

Both are options.

What about the tenants?

I beg your pardon?

Well, this area includes a tenanted holding.

Corrie Begg.

Their home would be unaffected. But you would have the use of all this land

around their home? Yes.

Well, I'm sure you must realise, Mr. Laidlaw, that without that land, their

livelihood would be seriously affected.

Now, don't let's jump to conclusions, Flora. There are some vacant properties.

Mrs Fraser's, for instance.

Or Delcada.

But the riches have been there for such a short time.

They're a young couple.

Incomers.

Ideal.

It'll be easier, surely, for them to move elsewhere than for someone who's

with the property run deeper.

Of course, their tenancy is only temporary at present.

Sir James.

Just let me think about this.

That lad is starting to look a lot brighter, eh?

Aye, she'll be settling in now.

Whoa!

Well, well, well.

If it isn't a mate in we stood here, laddie.

So you're no a wad of foreign percs after all, eh?

Far away places with strange students, eh?

Like Korea?

No, afraid not.

Must be broken -hearted.

And you're here to help with the hay.

Aye.

Where's Belle?

She's away doing her gale.

She didn't, did she?

Well, she met this young lad, easy.

I knew she's up in Meridam and they're a while off together.

You mean you didn't again?

That's a while since we've seen a laddy like that.

Trying to persuade Mrs. McInnes to give me some roofing materials.

That's her responsibility, surely?

I thought I'd get it done quicker if I did it myself.

Any word of when you're off to Korea?

No news is good news, I say.

And what business is this of your father's?

What business?

Sir, it's true.

I beg your pardon?

You really are thinking of making a forest out of Strathmere.

Hardly. A small part of it, perhaps.

It's a question of liquidating some assets.

I see.

Don't you think I might have been consulted?

You? After all, you said you proposed to gift the estate to me.

That lot of interest you've ever taken, Strathclyde.

It's not that I've been uninterested. It's rather that you've refused to allow

me any involvement.

I've never been here for long enough to involve you in anything.

First the army, now the...

You behave as if running the estate was some kind of arcane secret.

It's the same old story with you, Father. You only ever see anything from

point of view.

I have told you countless times I'm more than willing to hand this place over to

you, lock, stock and barrel.

You make it sound so simple.

It is simple.

Settle down, produce some heirs. What could be simpler than that?

Don't, for God's sake, bring up career again. You only use that as an excuse to

dodge any real commitments.

And what about you?

What about me?

You may be Laird here, Father, but you couldn't be more removed from the earth

of Strathblair.

And now you're prepared to change this place forever.

Tempted to preserve our comfortable existence.

It's thickening.

Nothing's up.

Your wife, remember?

There's nothing there.

I thought James was thinking of giving over some of his land to the Forestry

Commission.

His land?

No.

I don't know.

No. I'm sure not.

He couldn't do that, surely. Just move it around like pawns.

If he really wants to, I'm afraid he can.

What, so soon after giving us the tenancy?

You remember our agreement.

Anyway, I really don't know why we're worrying. Nobody said our land will be

included. And Andrew wouldn't let him, surely?

I don't know how much say the Major actually has.

You surely can't stand there and tell me you feel all this is right and proper.

Well, the estate's been doing quite badly recently.

Oh, and that justifies shoving the riches around like a couple of serfs.

Andrew, this is simply an idea. For goodness sake, stop overreacting.

There are other avenues to explore.

You're on my side.

I prefer not to take sides.

And I have to say, Andrew, you aren't helping anything but arguing with your

father. He is making major decisions without consulting me. Yes, he is.

Is that really why you're arguing?

Yes. Because it's symptomatic of our relationship. It's as if, as far as he's

concerned, I simply don't exist.

We could end up like the McPhees.

Wandering around from place to place with babies strapped to our backs. It

come to that.

How can you be so sure?

This is ridiculous.

Don't ask me to tell you what I'm thinking ever again.

Anyway, they'd have to offer us somewhere else.

I don't want anywhere else.

I want to stay here.

This is my home.

All the way down and get that paraffin.

Is there anything else you need? It's the mask, Nick.

Who for? Me or you?

What do you think?

Phoebe, I'm really sorry I forgot that paraffin earlier.

I'm sure you are.

But it's not the end of the world, is it? It's just paraffin, not medicine for

heart attack.

Phoebe, we all make mistakes.

You don't have to tell me about making mistakes.

Slow down there, Munro.

I'm not as young as I was.

Ach, you're getting soft, Valvoie. That's what it is.

Well, well.

Look who it is.

The late Mr. Ritchie.

I'm sorry I got caught up. Ah, well, you're lucky that Alistair here is so

Me? I would have been away at the top of the bend by now.

Ah, you're fit. I'll give you that.

What's your secret?

Drink your whiskey and eat.

Smoke a good, strong tobacco.

and between them they'll account for every germ in your system.

Well, that's an interesting theory.

Well, Scradon here has never made the mistake of saddling himself with his

and bairns.

That's how he'll have to see us all buried.

You don't expect me to go along with that, do you?

You'll find out.

Aye, I cheer this lot for every occasion.

That's our house.

Aye. Aye.

OK.

Your own grandfather of yours, he can be a thran old devil.

Mind you, he can be decent enough to eat.

Really? Aye.

And he's clever.

Never underestimate him.

You mean crafty?

That's it.

You see, the way I see it is, he's treating you the way he does.

Because he wants to test you out. Aye, just like God does in the Bible, eh?

No, he's no god.

He just thinks of you.

Ah, he just wonders if you'll measure up.

Well, maybe I don't need one of my own family making me jump through hoops.

Right. Okay.

So, Belle, is she happy?

Oh, aye.

She's happy.

Well, you can tell her I was asking for her, eh?

We'll do that.

Whenever we see her next, I... Look, son.

Have you never thought of moving on?

Where to?

Anywhere. A moving target's a harder to hit.

Robert!

I thought you'd have been up at the bank with your grandfather.

Nah. He doesn't want me around.

Well, his loss is our gain.

I'm very glad you're here.

I know it doesn't look like much, Andrew, but Alec and I have put a lot of

into this place.

Things we've scrubbed and put right and planted.

Now you tell us we may not even see them grow up?

No, that's not what I'm saying.

I just thought it was fair to warn you that the forestry is especially keen on

this area because of the transport.

But they could as easily make use of some of the commentary land. And I'm

that that's in fact what will happen. And if and when this becomes a reality.

Now, come on, let's have tea.

I can't set your mind at rest, for goodness sake.

Tom, get away from there!

Monroe! Can I see you a minute?

My father was his ornament.

A tinker like McPhee there.

He ran away with his daughter.

That's why.

He can neither forgive nor forget.

It's not your fault.

Try telling him that.

He must have loved your mother very much to take it so badly.

Who knows?

Maybe he just liked being in control.

Didn't he like her having a mind of her own?

Or whatever the reason, he should have got over it by now.

Exactly.

Why did you come back?

Was it because he's your only family?

Do you think you'll stay?

I'll certainly not let him drag me out.

Do you have any advice?

I can't.

Dear God.

All right.

What is it?

This one too, Balbuie.

What's going on?

If you hadn't been city -born, you'd know what's going on.

Now, now, Balbuie, it's not the young lad's fault.

These things can happen when they're away off up the hill for a while.

Luke, what has happened? Is it something I've... Use your eyes, man!

Maggots!

Maggots.

They can all be riddled with the damn things.

So what were you two looking so serious about, eh?

Wondering what the future will bring.

That's what I'd cry a right waste of time.

Really? Aye, really.

Don't you think about the future? Nah.

Why would I?

Well... Life can be so very uncertain.

Oh, no, my life, lassie.

Favourite spring?

You'll find me down by Kintyre.

In the summer, well, I'm here or hereabouts.

And then when the berry picking's finished and the tarties are out the

me and McPhee will be headed south toward Galloway, where it's a bit

So what is there to worry about, eh?

The unexpected.

Ah, you've got to worry about that, lassie.

You've just got to allow for it.

Count your blessings instead.

You've a good man, eh?

Aye, and a grand wee place here.

With a secure tenancy and all.

Aye. And the lamb sale's coming up.

You should do well there.

Well, let's do the trick.

Well, it shouldn't get rid of the worst of it.

But they'll all have to be looked at.

But will we have time to do that before the alarm sails?

Aye, indeed. That's the big question, isn't it?

Where do you want this?

Oh, anywhere near the base, thank you.

I hope you don't mind me speaking to you back there.

Why on earth should I?

Robert, you mustn't let your grandfather destroy your confidence.

There's only one person in a world full of people.

It'd be nice if he was willing to accept me.

And what have you never done?

If you don't mind me saying, you seem scared to hurt us.

You won't?

Have you ever seen a calf nursing?

Not exactly gentle, is it?

I think I get the idea.

Oh, well, back to the field. You don't have to.

You can go home if you like. We can manage. No, no, I came to help, so stay

the work's done.

If ever there's anything else you need, just say.

I will.

Thank you.

No, thank you for putting up with me.

Here you are. Hello, Father.

That's a good North Light.

I know nothing about art, but I know that much of it relies on a good North

Light.

May I sit down?

Look,

Andrew, I know you won't want to hear this. Oh, here we go.

Then why say it?

Because some things have to be said.

You've already missed your chance with Flora's sister.

Oh, no fault of yours, no fault of yours.

But you are now in great danger of losing Flora, too, if you won't get a

on.

You are extraordinary, Father.

I know what war means, and so does Flora.

Where on earth did that thing come from?

I'm going to clean it up.

It's a sell to some rich American, I hope.

You ought to burn it. It's a portrait of my mother.

Can't you stop being so bitter about her after all these years?

I'm not bitter.

I just despise the woman, that's all.

How do you suppose that makes me feel?

Has the thought ever crossed your mind?

You see, I'm tired of you taking the past out on me.

I'm even more tired of all these snide remarks about my interest in art.

This is not just a hobby.

It's a soundly -based business with enormous potential, and given half a

it would enable Strasbourg to make changes gradually.

And with a little bit of dignity!

Umberto! I need you!

Momento!

What are

you doing in there, Umberto?

Are you on strike or something?

We're lucky, are we not, that the lambs don't seem to be affected?

Ah, well, if that's your idea of luck, then I suppose we're lucky.

I've got an idea.

Oh, have you now?

Let's hope it's a good one.

Maybe there's some bit of animal husbandry that us old country folk

heard of yet, eh?

Well, there's nothing more we can do today, right?

No, no point in making a start till the morning.

So, how about taking our minds off it and going down to the hotel?

I'll stand the first drink.

Now that seems to me a very sensible suggestion, wouldn't you say, Alistair?

He's pleased to say that.

But he'll never show it.

Thank you.

And I put some eggs and some milk in there too.

Oh, God bless the lad.

I like him in handy.

Where do you want him?

Could you just turn him out into the field, please?

Oh, it's a grand feeling, is it not?

When you look out of yon field and you see the work I've done.

Yes, it is.

So, we'll likely see you again at the same time next year, Mrs Ritchie.

God willing.

That's right, Mrs McPhee.

God willing.

God keep you, Mrs Ritchie.

Quiet in here tonight.

Ah, well, the pictures are on.

I hear it's cowboys again.

Cheers.

You're very good health.

And may all your children be twins.

Forget it.

We'd know what to feed them on.

You could always do what they do in the Australian outback.

What's that?

Feed them on maggots.

He thinks he's funny.

I'll have nightmares about those things. Now, did we not agree that tonight none

of us was going to mention these damn things again?

If we'd thought about it, we could have collected them and sold them to some of

James's upper -craft friends that come for the fishing.

Aye, so we could, Alastair. What a shame we never thought.

Wait not, want not.

Aye, we'll have some long, hard days.

Come on.

Come on, chicken.

Come on.

That's it.

Come on. Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

I don't want to get eaten by a fox. Come on.

Cow.

Hello.

Still busy?

Never too busy for mysterious passes.

Remember the day of the picnic?

I framed it.

Thought you might like to have it.

It's very flattering.

It's lovely.

Fimi. Happy birthday, Fimi.

This is for you.

Remember Tonio I met at the show?

Hi.

Vaguely. He had it made specially and had it sent from Perth.

And this?

This is to go with it.

It still fits, eh?

I bet it does.

The cake.

Do you like it?

It's the best cake I've seen in my life.

That's the Gaelic.

It's a terrific language.

If you ask me, folk talk too much, whatever the language.

I'll shut up a bit more.

Here's your Jean Balbu.

Aye, so it is.

Thought I might find you here.

Did you?

Why? A wee bit of a celebration before you bring the sheep in. Don't judge

others by the standards of your tinker cronies.

We're not so much celebrating Robert as drowning our sorrows.

Hi, what happened?

The sheep are riddled with maggots.

Plus, earlier on I heard that we... No matter.

Anyway, I'd better be off.

You want a lift?

No, thanks. I can make my own now.

Can I take you up the offer?

Aye, of course.

This, er...

This next song is a wee touch sad about the clearances and the poor

widow under six bairns who are driven off her land because it's wanted for

and how they all die starvation one by one.

Here,

let me cut you a slice.

Are you happy now, Fimi? Aye.

Who is it,

did you say?

Yes.

It's... Where did you get this, anyway?

Have you been going through my things?

I found it in the yard.

Oh. Well, it's nobody at all.

Looks very like somebody to me.

It's, uh... Well?

It's Tonio's wife.

That's who it is.

Tonio's wife.

He sent you a picture of his wife? Mm.

He's awfully proud of her.

Oof.

Certainly must be.

Here's me thinking you got yourself a girlfriend.

Now, would I do a thing like that?

Don't say a word.

Yes, I've been down the pub again.

But I have a good excuse.

Oh, God, she's really angry this time.

I'm not angry.

Oh, if it were only that.

See you're home at last.

I like within the sheep of the maggot. Well, some of the ewes have no doubt.

We won't know the extent of it till tomorrow.

The lambs seem to have fared better.

Will you be able to fix that before the lamb sales?

Oh, I've always been a dab hand at getting rid of parasites.

But what exactly did Andrew say?

Well, I wasn't yet certain that Sir James will sell or leave.

The Forestry Commission are particularly interested in our...

In by land?

Aye.

That's all the land that lies next to the hill.

I just can't believe Sir James would do a thing like this.

Andrew was very apologetic.

It isn't his idea.

We'll just have to hope he stands up to his father.

Well, he'll do all he can, I'm sure.

Mary. Mary.

I thought you were dead, Mary.

What are you doing in here?

He's falling asleep with the light on.

Oh.

That's all right, then.

Will I turn it off?

Aye, please do.

How can you read that as if you didn't have a carer in the world?

Well, would you rather I was worrying myself sick the way you are? Yes.

I'm glad you're here.

Count your blessings.

Why not?

Um... We got the hay in.

We got the hay in, that's the first one.

Paid off the mixies.

And gave them half the food in the house. Well, I wouldn't fancy their

Maybe they wouldn't fancy yours.

Huh.

It's true.

Come on.

Keep counting.

We've got the lamb sales coming up.

Looking forward to that.

I can't think of anything else.

You can.

You couldn't mean you, surely?

You couldn't.

No, how did you guess?