When a cargo ship carrying fifty thousand cases of whisky runs aground off the coast of a remote Scottish island during wartime rationing, the local inhabitants mobilize to secure the precious spirits before the authorities intervene. The protagonist, a collection of eccentric islanders, must navigate the bureaucratic interference of the Home Guard and the local customs officials who seek to enforce the law. The narrative follows a multi-perspective framework that highlights the clash between rigid wartime regulations and the deeply ingrained cultural traditions of the Hebridean community. The physical constraints of the island geography and the scarcity of supplies during the war serve as the primary catalysts for the escalating conflict.

Readers frequently highlight the lighthearted, witty tone that defines the narrative style of this classic work. Discussion often centers on the effective use of satire to critique the absurdity of wartime regulations when placed against the backdrop of a tight-knit island community. Critics often note the balance between character-driven humor and the situational comedy arising from the bootlegging plot. The atmosphere is consistently described as charming and authentic, capturing a specific moment in Scottish history with warmth and levity. Many readers appreciate how the author avoids heavy-handed drama in favor of a brisk, entertaining pace that keeps the focus on the ingenuity of the islanders.