Studio in the Scottish Highlands Proves Location Is No Barrier

Photo of Struie Hill Viewpoint, known locally as 'The Million Dollar View' photographed by David Kratz

Finding a voiceover studio in the rugged, remote Highlands of Scotland, amid the rolling hills and quiet lochs, feels…unlikely. But when Jungle Studios, one of London’s premier post production houses, found itself needing to record an actor in this very region, the team discovered an unexpected solution tucked away near Inverness: The Highland Voiceover Studio, run by Scottish voice artist Carrie Forbes.

Carrie’s studio is not just a novel find; it’s also an essential resource that challenges long-held assumptions about production capabilities in the Highlands. While most actors and production companies automatically assume they’ll need to make the long trek to Glasgow or Edinburgh (a hefty eight hours), Carrie has built a fully equipped recording space that’s quickly becoming a go-to for remote projects in the area.

The need for this facility arose when Jungle Studios, tasked with a voiceover session for a high-profile campaign, was scrambling to locate a studio for an actor based near Inverness. The assumption might have been that this was an impossible ask — how could a proper recording studio exist in such a remote area, especially one with the capabilities needed? But as it turned out, Carrie had all the right tools in place, not only to get the job done but to do so at a level that exceeded expectations.

"We’re extremely lucky to have found Carrie," says Philla Marshall, Jungle Studios’ bookings producer, after the session was successfully completed – noting her professional setup and ability to help out so quickly.

The Highland Voiceover Studio, while geographically isolated, is anything but rudimentary. Equipped with state-of-the-art recording gear and soundproofing, it's been built from the ground up to handle high-quality voiceover work, including more technical aspects such as ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement). However, awareness of its existence has been slow to build. As Carrie explains, “Everyone assumes there aren’t any studios up here, so actors are still turning down work or travelling to Glasgow or Edinburgh. This is why I rebranded the hire side to The Highland Voiceover Studio — I'm hoping more people will discover it."

The issue isn’t just about geography but about perception. For actors, directors, and even industry insiders, the notion of high-quality production facilities in rural Scotland might seem implausible. But Carrie is intent on changing that narrative. By investing in the right equipment and honing her technical skills, she’s proving that location is no longer a barrier. Her studio has already become the first stop for several local actors who once made lengthy commutes to southern cities for work.

“I managed to get some funding, and the refurb included a much larger booth suited for ADR work, along with the relevant mics. It’s been an exciting process, but I’m still learning,” says Carrie. Despite the steep learning curve, her efforts have already paid off with a string of successful projects, including Jungle’s recent remote session.

This ability to offer a local solution in such a remote area is particularly significant in an industry where time is often of the essence, and logistical challenges can derail even the best-laid plans. For companies like Jungle, being able to connect with talent through remote studios like Carrie opens up new possibilities. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies, studios like The Highland Voiceover Studio provide a crucial link, proving that top-tier production doesn’t have to be confined to major cities.

Carrie's story is a reminder that the best solutions often come from unlikely places. It’s also a call to re-examine the assumptions that shape how work is done in creative industries. Whether it's voiceover work or more technical sound engineering, geography doesn’t necessarily dictate access. With reliable remote setups, companies and talent alike are finding that it's possible to collaborate across distances, and in doing so, they’re uncovering hidden gems like The Highland Voiceover Studio.


You can find out more about The Highland Voiceover Studio here.