New recording studio 'to become world-class hub' for film soundtracks

A brand new “state of the art” recording facility which aims to be the “go to studio” for the film and game industry outside of London has opened in Glasgow.

Scotland’s Studio has been purpose built for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and builds on existing infrastructure such as the RSNO Centre which opened in 2015.

The facility will host the RSNO’s new auditorium and feature cutting-edge mixing technology.

Scotland’s Studio is a brand new, state-of-the-art recording facility purpose built for the world-renowned Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

The auditorium is an acoustically adjustable and flexible space, ideal for the specialised production of recordings for film and television soundtracks as well as hosting educational projects.

The studio will also be open to other Scottish based orchestras and musicians, giving them access to not only a world-class recording studio, but also allowing them to advance within the creative industries.

As the country becomes an increasingly popular destination for film, TV and video game productions, Scotland’s Studio is said to be in a prime position to contribute to this development.

The RSNO has an established track record and strong brand recognition for its recording work, especially in film and video games, with the orchestra credited on re-recordings of classic scores such as Vertigo and being conducted by film score icons such as Jerry Goldsmith.

The studio will allow the RSNO to embark on bigger and more challenging projects within these industries and this new income stream will prove invaluable in supporting the RSNO’s charitable mission, as ventures such as touring and larger scale performances continue to be affected by the ongoing pandemic.

It will also become home for the RSNO’s digital educational projects such as music apps for children.

Alistair Mackie, chief executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra said: “In Scotland’s Studio we’ve created a state-of-the-art facility that will give the RSNO another string to its bow in the post-pandemic landscape as the only orchestra in the UK with its own recording studio, while also giving Scotland’s developing film industry a new facility to support its offer nationally and internationally.

“Huge thanks goes to those who have supported this investment including the Scottish Government through the DigitalBoost Development Grant, and to Iain and Pamela Sinclair whose legacy enabled us to create such a highly spec-ed control room. Iain used to attend regularly and we later found out secretly recorded the RSNO to listen to again at home.

“Creating a world-class recording studio for the orchestra feels like a fitting tribute through their generous legacy.

“The orchestra already has a great reputation for its film score recordings and we look forward to adding to this legacy over the coming years.”

And Holyrood culture secretary Angus Robertson also welcomed the move.

He said: “The Scottish Government is committed to developing our screen infrastructure and this new world-class facility for recording film, television and games scores will make the country even more attractive to international production companies. The new studio will also contribute to growing a sustainable economy for the creative industries.

“The RSNO plays a major role in the performing arts and the new studio will give the orchestra the opportunity to build on their already highly-acclaimed international reputation for recording and expand on their educational activities.”