David shields is the son of a Scottish farmer who dreams of a life in the city. Against his father's wishes, he obtains a job in the shipyards where his flair for design moves him swiftly up the ladder. This is resented by many of his colleagues, as is his impatience and dislike for performing menial tasks. However he designs a revolutionary ship which impresses his boss, whose daughter he is deeply in love with. Will he succeed in all he wishes to achieve?