All three generations of the family followed lives of pride and depression, of nationality and alcohol, of Catholic faith and the end of left-wing idealism.

A dreamer, a Socialist, a man of the people, he led Scotland's building programme after the war.

His final months are plagued by memory and loss, by a bitter sense of his family and his country, who could not live up to the houses he built for them.

Hugh's grandson, Jamie, comes home to watch over his dying mentor.

He tells the story of his own family - a tale of pride and delusion, of nationality and strong drink, of Catholic faith and the end of the old Left.