Skerryvore have reinvented and reignited Scottish roots music with a modern alt-pop flavour that has connected with an ever-expanding multicultural global audience. But as the pandemic broke, the octet's international touring immediately ceased. Yet from challenge came opportunity. Vocalist / guitarist Alec Dalglish had the time to develop his initial song ideas in more depth, while subsequent full band sessions in bagpiper/whistle player Scott Wood's studio in Glasgow benefited from the freedom such an independent environment provided them. And when they returned in 2021 with You & I, the track became their first to be playlisted at Radio 2 buoyed by huge support from Jeremy Vine.

Further emboldened by the Celtic-tinged rock follow-up Together Again, Skerryvore focused on broadening the core of their sound with a fresh pop immediacy and wider stylistic adventures. The result is Tempus, an album epic of melody, intimate of feeling and plugged into the roots of Scotland but blasting out to the world. Alec Dalglish says "We wanted to get the production bigger, more fully formed. We wanted to make music on a much bigger scale, to reach a lot more people. But in doing that, we also had to write and record songs that are still what make Skerryvore what we are".

And while the record is predominantly a homegrown collection, it was completed with mastering courtesy of the 21-time Grammy Award winner Howie Weinberg (U2, Nirvana, PJ Harvey).