Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has provided funding to support the development of a new high-end recording studio on the Isle of Mull.

Heb Aisle Limited, a local startup, has secured up to £39,000 to transform a former church building in Bunessan into a state-of-the-art music studio and record label. The project aims to attract renowned artists from around the globe while also nurturing local talent.

With a total cost of £133,000, the HIE funding will support the construction and fit-out of the energy-efficient studio, which will also include accommodation for clients. The studio is expected to generate over £340,000 in revenue within the next three years and create three new jobs.

Heb Aisle Studio is poised to become a cultural hub for Mull, offering a unique and inspiring environment for musicians and producers. The project is a testament to the growing music scene in the Highlands and Islands region and its potential to attract international attention.

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Confirming the HIE funding, 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.

He 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.