A new music studio set up off the coast of Lewis was officially opened yesterday.
The studio on the island of Great Bernera is housed in an old fish-processing factory at Kirkibost pier and boats spectacular views.
Peter Fletcher, who is originally from Nottingham, moved to the island and built the Black Bay Studio and hopes the remote location and high-end technology will help draw in musicians.
He said: “To attract major artists, the studio needed to be something really special. We have a superb location and now we also have the technical recording facilities.”
Musicians from Mother Night and Australia’s Jess Daz have already taken over the studio for a test run over the summer.
Mr Fletcher said: “One band from Nottingham called Keto arrived in the dead of night and then woke up to the views and were completely blown away.”
The former factory building sits on land covering over 300 square metres.
Mr Fletcher added: “We will continue to improve the other elements to create a world-class residential recording studio.”
The £262,360 project was supported with a grant of £71,552 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and match funding from the EU LEADER programme.
The refurbishment involved turning the fish factory into a high quality recording facility as well as on site accommodation for visiting artists.
John Macdonald, Account Manager with HIE’s area team in the Outer Hebrides, said: “This was a well researched project with an impressive potential customer base.”
He underlined the importance of the studio saying: “The creative industries sector is very important in the Outer Hebrides, where there is a strong cultural element.
“We believe it will prove a very positive addition to the island’s creative network and will help to raise the profile of the Isle of Lewis and the wider Outer Hebrides.”
Mr Fletcher said his business has the potential to provide employment for five people over the next three years as well as offering training in sound engineering and studio management for young people.