The story of the famous battle between the Scots clans of Macdonald and Campbell, and the young woman who comes between them, Annie Laurie.

In the Scottish highlands where the MacDonald and Campbell clans are constantly feuding, the body of a MacDonald is sent to the enemy chieftain; that night, the MacDonalds raid the Campbell grounds. Alastair (Joseph Striker) captures Enid (Patricia Avery), daughter of the Campbell chieftain, and when a truce is declared she decides to remain with her new husband. The King of England attempts to end the clan warfare by peace treaties. Meanwhile, Ian MacDonald (Norman Kerry) begins to court Annie Laurie (Lillian Gish), the governor's daughter, who has a natural preference for the more-refined Donald Campbell (Creighton Hale). The MacDonalds are tricked into housing Campbell troops, and the bridge to the beacon light is destroyed. Annie gives her aid in lighting the beacon, thus siding with Ian and the MacDonalds, who take revenge on their enemies.