RSNO to record new soundtrack to sell Scotland

Scotland’s national orchestra has been hired to create a new soundtrack for the country’s next big international national tourism campaign.

Composer Giles Lambs score for the VisitScotland campaign aims to capture the majesty of Scotland from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra has recorded a new score written for VisitScotland by Glasgow-based composer and sound designer Giles Lamb.

The one-minute long piece of music – to be unveiled early next year – was the first ever recording to be made at the RSNO’s new purpose-built £19 million headquarters in Glasgow.

Lamb has worked on a host of film and TV productions, including Taggart, Asylum, Valhalla Rising and Hawaii Five-O.

The tourism body says it hopes the “evocative” new music, which will replace a theme tune it has deployed for the last 14 years, will “give goosebumps to all who hear it”.

Lamb said: “You would think translating the beauty of Scotland into music would be an easy task – the landscapes and magic in the air is unquestionable - but to create a score which captured all the elements of our fine country in just 60 seconds was a challenge indeed.

“From the beautiful stormy skies over the mountains in the Highlands to the soft, rolling landscapes of the Borders, we had to make sure we were capturing it all and I hope the finished piece does just that.”

The new TV and radio campaign, which is designed to help potential visitors “see Scotland in a new light,” will be rolled out worldwide from February.

Helen Campbell, VisitScotland’s head of global brand and marketing communications, said: “We were looking for a score that stirs something deep inside everyone who hears it – a melody that creates an emotive reaction and really captures the heart and soul of Scotland.

“Giles’ piece is breathtaking, and alongside the innovative filming we have undertaken, I have no doubt that many will be lost in the moment and inspired to visit the country to feel that extraordinary Scottish spirit for themselves. We look forward to revealing our new look and feel to the world.”

Krishna Thiagarajan, the RSNO’s chief executive, said: “As the first notes were played by the orchestra during our first recording session it became apparent this was a historic moment. It’s fitting then, as the RSNO broadens its horizons, that the new campaign with this recording of Giles’ evocative music will be used across the world to promote Scotland, and its beauty, diversity and cultural wealth.”