Glasgow, Scotland, 1930s. Young James Herriot begins his studies at Glasgow Veterinary College after which he hopes to become a veterinarian. He soon befriends Emma 'Whirly' Tyson and Rob McAloon and they move in together with Elspeth Munro. At school, they are hit hard by Gunnell, their professor. Meanwhile, they must deal with the emerging fascism in the UK.