Sam Carraclough (John Lynch) is a poor minor who works very hard to support his loving family. When he is hit with unusually hard times, he and his fellow family members are forced to sell their beloved family dog Lassie. The intelligent Collie soon finds himself in the care of his new owner the Duke of Rudling (Peter O'Toole) and he decides to escape and to try and get back to his home. He proceeds to on a five hundred mile long trek through the scenic highlands of Scotland just to get back to the people he loves and is devoted to; his family.