Scotrail backtrack after new train announcements 'stole woman's voice'
The train provider previously said they won't be removing the new robot voice
AI TOLD YOU SO Scotrail backtrack after new train announcements 'stole woman's voice'
SCOTRAIL is "fixing" an AI train announcer after claims it uses a woman's voice without her permission, the First Minister has said.
John Swinney said there had been some "controversy" over the case, after Scottish voiceover artist Gayanne Potter claimed the publicly-owned rail operator based its AI announcer - who is known as Iona - on recordings she made in 2021.
3
ScotRail is 'fixing' its AI train announcer after claims the voice was stolen from a real person
Credit: Getty
3
John Swinney said at Holyrood today that the AI voice would be 'fixed'
Credit: Alamy
3
Gayanne Potter, the voice actress who accused ScotRail of stealing her voice
Credit: Supplied
But after prompting from Fiona Hyslop, he said: "The Transport Secretary tells me they're fixing it, so they will be fixing it."
Ms Potter has welcomed this commitment as a "meaningful step forward".
The issue was raised at First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, with Scottish Conservative MSP Dr Sandesh Gulhane asking if it is how the Scottish Government - which took ScotRail into public ownership in 2022 - "supports actors".
The Tory pressed the case with Mr Swinney after Ms Potter, in a widely shared Facebook post, accused ScotRail of dismissing her concerns.
She said Iona came from voice data held by Swedish-based company ReadSpeaker, who she did recordings for in 2021 - adding that by using her voice in an AI model the company had acted outside of the terms of her agreement with them.
Ms Potter spoke of her "distress" at discovering Scotland had "installed the ReadSpeaker model 'Iona' that contains my biometric voice data as their new announcer on all their trains".
She insisted: "I did not know. I was not asked. I did not consent."
Mr Swinney said he is "sure" the rail operator will be "engaging constructively with all concerned".
He added: "I think sometimes these things do indeed need careful handling and I am sure ScotRail will be doing exactly that."
Following the First Minister's comments, a spokeswoman for Ms Potter told the PA news agency: "We welcome the fact that the First Minister acknowledged the issue at hand and confirmed that ScotRail 'will be fixing it'.
"While the language may not be definitive at this stage, this public commitment is a meaningful step forward for Gayanne, and other artists in her position.
"That said, this case isn't just about hiring Scottish actors. It's about the use of a real actor's voice without her informed consent, and the broader need for ethical standards in the deployment of AI voice technology.
"We now hope that 'fixing it' will include direct engagement with Gayanne, proper accountability from those responsible, and a clear commitment to ensuring that consent, transparency, and fair treatment become non-negotiable in the use of AI by public bodies.
"The public sector needs to be rigorous in their procurement of AI solutions and the commercial partnerships they strike with AI companies."
Ms Potter's representative said the voice actress had been told by ScotRail earlier this week that the matter was between her and ReadSpeaker.
She said they would request that ScotRail cease using "Iona", adding: "Any use of Gayanne's or anyone else's voice through AI must be based on her full, informed consent and agreed upon under fair conditions."
ReadSpeaker has said it has a contract to use her voice and its legal team has "comprehensively" addressed Ms Potter's concerns.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
35 minutes ago
- The National
Scottish holidaymakers warned over looming strikes at Glasgow Airport
Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. The union said on Saturday that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could 'ground planes and passengers'. READ MORE: Scottish architect firm appointed to save historic home of Robert Burns Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. It said the company 'is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives'. Unite said some Swissport staff are 'struggling with chronic fatigue'. A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6% pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6% pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile, 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25%. The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham (above) said: 'Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers. 'The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions. 'The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits.' McIlvogue said: 'Unite is in dispute with companies at Glasgow Airport, which could ultimately bring hundreds of workers out on strike. 'The companies can resolve these disputes with Unite before that situation happens by addressing the legitimate concerns and pay aspirations of our members. 'If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.'
The Herald Scotland
39 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
The Herald's Unspun Live heads to the Edinburgh Fringe
Across four nights, audiences will hear from First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and Britain's leading polling expert, Professor Sir John Curtice. Tickets are available now — click here to book your place at Unspun Live. These discussions will move beyond the usual political talking points, exploring the personal motivations, challenges and life experiences that shape Scotland's most influential figures. Professor Sir John Curtice and guestsThe series opens on 4 August with Professor Sir John Curtice, who will be joined by special guests to take the political temperature of the nation and analyse the trends influencing the next Holyrood election. Click here to buy tickets to Unspun Live with John Curtice and guests John Swinney (Image: Gordon Terris) On 5 August, John Swinney will make a rare festival appearance. He will be interviewed by The Herald's Brian Taylor — the legendary former political editor of BBC Scotland, who has been covering the First Minister for more than 25 years. The SNP leader will reflect on his first year leading the Scottish Government, the challenges facing his party and the country, and share a personal perspective on leadership and life in high office. Click here to buy tickets for Unspun Live with John Swinney Anas Sarwar reading The Herald (Image: Gordon Terris) On 6 August, attention turns to the opposition. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will discuss one of the most dramatic years in his party's recent history. Buoyed by a strong performance at Thursday's by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, his appearance comes at a pivotal moment in his campaign to lead the next Scottish Government. Click here to buy tickets for Unspun Live with Anas Sarwar Kate Forbes speaking to The Herald (Image: Colin Mearns) Closing the series on 7 August is Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes. A former SNP leadership contender and key figure in the Cabinet, she will offer insights into the Government's economic priorities — and reflect on her political journey to date. Click here to buy tickets for Unspun Live with Kate Forbes Each Unspun Live session will be hosted by journalists and columnists from The Herald. The events will combine political analysis with personal storytelling, offering audiences a rare chance to engage with both the public views and private reflections of Scotland's leading politicians. Audience members will also be invited to put their questions directly to the guests, ensuring a two-way conversation about Scotland's political direction — and the people behind the headlines. Catherine Salmond, Editor of The Herald, said: 'We are delighted to bring the world's longest-running national newspaper into the heart of the world's largest arts festival. 'As Scotland faces a pivotal election in 2026, there is real value in having these conversations live on stage — where our readers and the wider public can engage directly with the people shaping our country's future. 'For those with a serious interest in Scottish politics, The Herald remains an essential read, combining authoritative coverage with unparalleled access to the key players and issues that matter. 'It is all part of our commitment to fostering understanding and informed debate — ensuring Scots have access to the insight they need, whether in our pages or face to face.' Click here to book your tickets now via the Summerhall box office.
The Herald Scotland
39 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Jim Sillars: John Swinney should resign as SNP leader
Polling suggested the SNP would win the crunch by-election but instead Labour took the seat pushing the SNP into second while Reform was placed third. The result prompted calls on Friday by SNP veteran Alex Neil for Mr Swinney's resignation as leader before the Scottish Parliament elections in 2026, when the SNP will have been in power for 19 years. Speaking to The Herald Mr Sillars echoed Mr Neil's views that Mr Swinney should quit though added he did not think a change of leadership would be sufficient to put the SNP on the front foot in time for the election next May saying better delivery on public services and a review of policy priorities was needed. "Look at yesterday's result," he said. READ MORE: SNP veteran calls for Swinney to quit after Labour shock by-election victory Sarwar: Swinney ran a 'disgraceful' campaign and is running down the clock as FM Rows with press, claims of racism and misinformation - a by-election that turned ugly "The SNP went down to 29%. If that was repeated in 2026 the SNP will have a disaster on their hands, they would get nowhere near the seats they need to get and therefore not be in government. "It is very difficult to see how they can reverse their position. They are also being judged by voters on the basis of their performance in government. "They have spent more time in Holyrood arguing about the identity of women than they have about the 85,000 children living in abject poverty. Former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars (Image: PA) "It is not just a leadership replacement they would have to rethink their whole policy priorities. They have lost the people." He noted the difference in support for independence and for the SNP. "When you get polling showing that support for independence is around 50% but the so-called party of independence is getting 29% of the vote in a critical by-election then there is a real problem," he added. "I never thought John Swinney would make a good leader. I think he should go on the basis that he is a failure, though it doesn't mean that him going would really change things substantially." Along with Mr Neil, Mr Sillars is a longstanding critic of Mr Swinney and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Both were supportive of the late former First Minister Alex Salmond when he fell out with Ms Sturgeon. Turning to the First Minister's message that the by-election was a straight contest between the SNP and Reform, Mr Sillars said: "He punted Reform instead of dealing with the real opposition which was Labour. Scottish Labour's victory rally in Hamilton on Friday (Image: Colin Mearns) "It showed a man with a lack of judgment and someone who could not read the street." Former SNP health secretary Mr Neil was the first senior party figure to call for a change of leadership following the SNP by-election defeat. In a post on X on Friday Alex Neil, who held Cabinet roles in the administrations of both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, said it was time for a new leadership. READ MORE: Keir Starmer: John Swinney hasn't raised independence referendum with me Swinney defends claims Labour 'out of it' in by-election Not a shot that's been fired across SNP's bows, it's a cruise missile "Poor by election result for the SNP despite having the best candidate," wrote the former Cabinet minister on X. "It shows that the opinion polls appear wide of the mark. Most importantly it shows the current SNP leadership needs to be replaced urgently." Mr Sarwar and his party celebrated in the early hours of Friday morning after Labour's Davy Russell was elected as the new MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, winning the seat from the SNP. With the votes showing a swing of more than 7% from the SNP to Labour, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday the result showed people have "voted for change". The by-election had been held following the death earlier this year of Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie. When the votes were counted, Mr Russell polled 8,559, SNP candidate Katy Loudon took 7,957 votes, while Reform's Ross Lambie secured 7,088. And although Mr Russell was elected with fewer votes than Labour secured in the seat in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP's support fell from just over 46% of all ballots then to 29.35% in the by-election. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice insisting they were "delighted" with coming third - despite speculation prior to the count that they could come in second or may even pull off a surprise victory. Speaking at a media event in Hamilton on Friday morning, Mr Sarwar accused the SNP leader of running a "disgraceful" campaign" and insisted the by-election could "help lead the way" to him becoming Scotland's next First Minister. Mr Swinney said the SNP was "clearly disappointed" with the result. The First Minister and party leader said Labour had "won by an absolute landslide" in Rutherglen and Hamilton West - noting the SNP "came much closer" this time round. But he added: "The people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse have made clear that we still have work to do. "Over the next few days, we will take time to consider the result fully." The SNP was approached to seek comment on the interventions from Mr Sillars and Mr Neil. Since coming into office in Spring last year Mr Swinney has attempted to refresh the SNP's policy agenda with a renewed focus on addressing child poverty and improving public services, in particular tackling waits for NHS treatment. He has attempted to steer away from the public debate on gender politics which dominated the end of Ms Sturgeon's time in office.
