After decades of laboring as a Glasgow shipbuilder, a no nonsense 55-year-old working man, Frank Redmond , suddenly finds himself laid off. For first time in his lifetime, he could be without a sense of management or employment, and he's too proud to request guidance. His allies - rascally Danny, timid Norman and cynical Eddie - are there for him personally but Frank still feels desperately . An offhand opinion from Danny inspires Frank to battle himself. Already contemplating the condition of his relationships with adoring wife Joan and son Rob, Frank is determined to shore up their. He'll attempt the near impossible - swimming the English Channel.