the Shawl

This is a Scottish family saga which spans 5 generations.
In the early 19th century Ireland’s weaving mills change from cotton to linen production. In order to develop his weaving career Henry Shields moves to Crosslee, Scotland. Promotion follows when his labour of love - a shawl - is exhibited in Glasgow and becomes an heirloom when he marries Agnes. When fire rages through the mill the family move to Glasgow, where King Cotton reigns.
In the mill area of Calton consumption from dusty fibres kills weavers and spinners in their prime while children die young due to poverty and bad conditions. The only third generation child to survive is Isabella - rejected by her mother. Friends - Donald and Flora provide a stable home and education for the little girl as she grows up.
Later sixteen year old Isabella has to learn to survive in the real world. As a common-law widow with two children her options are few. Stewart, the handsome soldier, offers marriage. Three children follow before she again becomes a widow. With no means of support and destitute she is ordered to the Poorhouse for child neglect. Contact with her three youngest children is restricted when they are fostered in Iona. She works hard towards self respect and the reunion of her family.
As WW1 approaches, her teenage sons are released from care into the military. She now dreads the arrival of a war office telegram.
Henry’s shawl remains the symbol of family love and unity.