ScotRail is scrapping its computer-generated onboard train announcer known as Iona after a row with the voiceover artist on whom it is based.
Gayanne Potter, a Scottish actress, hit out at the rail operator after learning her voice data was being used on Scotland’s trains without her permission.
ScotRail initially said it had no plans to change the voice, claiming Potter’s dispute was with a foreign company called ReadSpeaker that held her voice data from a recording in 2021, and had used it to create a program fronted by Iona.
ScotRail has reversed its initial stance, having originally claimed Potter’s dispute was with the foreign company that held her voice data
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However, it has been revealed that an alternative voice is being sourced by Transport Scotland, and that ScotRail is set to remove the AI voice after concerns were also raised by the public and government ministers.
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Potter, of Edinburgh, only learnt via media reports that the voice was being introduced on ScotRail trains. She said at the time: “Why continue to choose a dreadful AI version of me when I’m right here? It’s not about money. It’s about my identity. I feel violated.”
Freedom of information responses reported in The Scottish Mail on Sunday show 78 members of the public complained to ScotRail over its use of AI.
The company initially had no plans to remove the voice, but changed this position after SNP ministers raised concerns.
Potter was supported by her union, Equity
After Potter spoke out, Fiona Hyslop, the transport secretary, was said to be very concerned, and asked if there were “any options here”.
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Bill Reeve, Transport Scotland director of rail, wrote to her, saying: “Following discussions we have now received an updated recommendation from ScotRail to change the current AI-generated voice.”
Potter’s trade union, Equity, said: “Gayanne Potter would welcome ScotRail changing the Iona voice. Equity has serious concerns about the use of AI in performance and audio work.”
Gayanne Potter starred alongside John Hannah and Ron Donachie, right, in the detective series Rebus
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ReadSpeaker said previously that it had acted ethically and lawfully and that Potter “was fairly paid for her voice talent services”. The company declined to comment further last week.
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “Our understanding is that ScotRail is working to make changes to the system, and this includes implementing an alternative ‘voice’ as soon as practicable.”
A ScotRail spokesman said: “ScotRail is continuing to work with ReadSpeaker on the matter.”