A new recording studio on one of Scotland’s islands will attract “high-level” musicians and help local talent develop their skills and careers, it is hoped.
Plans have been unveiled to convert a former church in the village of Bunessan on the island of Mull into a facility capable of attracting the best in the business.
The plan has been launched by new start company Heb Aisle Limited, with the dream of establishing the facility on the Ross of Mull, on the south of the island.
The company hopes to build a studio and record label which gains national and international recognition.
Due to its remote location, with Mull accessible by ferry and Bunessan by car on single-track road, accommodation will be built for musicians to stay while they record.
Billed as ‘Residential Recording Studio at the Edge of the World’, Black Bay has played host to bands and musicians with huge followings, including Ian Morrison, Mother Night and Astrid.
Funding for the Bunessan studio will come from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with £133,000 contributed to the total cost of construction and fit out works to convert the building, which will be as energy efficient as possible.
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
HIE area manager for Argyll and the Islands Morag Goodfellow said: “This is a welcome entrepreneurial initiative on Mull to create a vibrant and profitable business that will bring a disused building back into productive use and create jobs. It will also generate wider economic benefit locally.
“I’m delighted we’re able to provide support for this potentially high-growth start-up company and look forward to seeing the new facility take shape.” 
Heb Aisle is a subsidiary of Tide Lines Music, which has worked in some of the best recording facilities in the country.
Both companies were founded by director of Heb Aisle Limited Ross Wilson, a professional musician and an entrepreneur in music technologies and audio engineering.
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Mr Wilson said: “In my opinion, the music and creative industries in Scotland are more vibrant than ever. It’s my ambition to bring a portion of this sector to the Ross of Mull, with the added benefit of reviving a prominent local building.
“Returning to my home island to continue working, growing and creating new opportunities within the recorded music industry has been very dependent on HIE's invaluable support for this project.”
The IBIS World Industry Report estimated sound recording and music publishing to be worth more than £2.5bn to the UK economy.
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