Facing the insurmountable debt that the estate is in, everyone living at Glenbogle house is struggling to get by. Tempers flare as Justine begins to take over the management of the house while the estate bankers decide whether or not to continue supporting the crumbling castle.

Hector and Archie fight for possession of a rare and valuable barrel of whiskey while Duncan and Golly compete amongst many other contenders for the new position of head ranger on the estate.

When Archie's appeal for a grant from the council is rejected, Hector is forced to reveal a secret concerning Edith Rankin, chairwoman of the council. Simultaneously, Golly and Fergal each bribe Duncan in the hopes of securing his help in their individual projects.

While Archie would rather forget the fact that it is his birthday, the family is determined to organize a secret surprise party. At the same time, Hector plants an article in the local magazine to help him in his quest to marry Archie off.

Molly finds herself face to face with a hard-nosed gangster to whom she owes 4,000 pounds. In a risky game of poker, she risks everything to clear her debt, without letting Archie find out. Meanwhile, tensions arise between Fergal, Katrina and Archie as Fergal begins to show interest in Katrina and questions her relationship with Archie.

Archie has decided that Glenbogle may be a novel venue for weddings and is expecting his first couple soon. But when they arrive, Lexie is faced with her estranged mother and memories of her troublesome childhood.

Archie's sister Lizzie turns up at Glenbogle, pregnant and without a husband, leaving Hector very upset. Refusing to be involved in the 'screaming and shouting' of labor, he immerses himself into his competition against Killwillie for the tallest tree in Scotland.

While preparing for his upcoming coronation as laird of Glenbogle, Archie and his family are stunned when an American McDonald shows up claiming to be the rightful laird. In an effort to save his home, Archie invokes the Chieftains' Challenge, a test of brains and brawns to reveal the true laird.