The project was brought to MGM Television and Night Train Media by filmmaker Adam Morane-Griffiths in 2020, alongside Sara Curran, before being commissioned by BBC One and Netflix in July 2023.

Co-writer Gillian Roger Park was born on the west coast of Scotland just four days after the Lockerbie disaster, and described the story as one that 'hangs over Scottish culture very heavily' and 'a precious story' to tell.

The lead cast, including Patrick J. Adams, Connor Swindells, Merritt Wever, Eddie Marsan, Lauren Lyle, Phyllis Logan and Peter Mullan, was confirmed in March 2024.

Principal photography began in Scotland in early 2024, with additional filming taking place in Malta and Canada.

The soundtrack for the series was provided by post-rock band Mogwai, revealed in May 2025.

The series premiered on BBC One on 18 May 2025 in the UK, but will not reach Netflix worldwide until 30 July 2026, over a year later.