You’re hired! The Highlands takes starring role in latest episode of BBC's The Apprentice
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Inverness and the surrounding Highlands has provided the stunning backdrop to the first episode in the new series of the acclaimed TV show The Apprentice.
Aired on the BBC last night, the opener to series 18 saw the 18 candidates transported north from Edinburgh to organise corporate away days in the area for two businesses.
Lord Alan Sugar charged the teams with organising a tour, running a team-building exercise and laying on food and drink.
Filmed in early 2023 under the watchful eye of Lord Sugar’s advisors, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE, the teams worked with Highland firms to organise their days with varying success.
It proved chaotic as the candidates vied to generate the best profit, with disorganised activities, cold food and one particular astounding blunder that saw fish cakes coated in apple crumble crust.
But the footage showcased both the beauty of the area and a quality array of local businesses and venues.
Lord Sugar, early in the show, described the area as “stunning” before aerial footage panned above locations including Culloden Viaduct, the grounds of Cawdor Castle and other scenic vistas.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) helped to bring the filming of the episode to the Highlands and connected Highland businesses with the programme’s producers.
Among the other locations featured in the episode were Achnagairn, Culloden House Hotel, Bogbain Farm, Ness Castle Lodges and the Golf View Hotel.
Transport was provided by Wildtrax and GOYA Adventures, while The Lunchbox Boys provided catering and Highland Business Suites Limited provided a boardroom setting.
As part of the corporate away days, the teams were tasked with organising activities including gorge walking, abseiling and bushcraft from In Your Element.
There was Highland dancing by Cheryl Heggie School of Dance, and Highland Games by strongman Sinclair Patience.
On Facebook, the Cheryl Heggie School of Dance posted: "So the cats out of the bag! In April we had the pleasure of filming with BBC1, The Apprentice.
"We taught contestants ceilidh dancing whilst the talented Rachel Campbell-Hardiman played a wonderful set on the fiddle."
Mike Dunthorne, owner of In Your Element, said: “What a buzz it was to have The Apprentice team join us for some fun in the Highlands!
“It is great to be able to showcase our beautiful region on a national scale and the fantastic businesses that operate here.
“Everyone was up for the challenge when they took part in activities at In Your Element – even Baroness Karren Brady!
“I hope the episode encourages people to take their own Highland adventure.”
Alan Rawlinson, business development manager at Visit Inverness Loch Ness, added: “We were delighted that many local businesses supported the filming of the episode in our region.
“Having the destination featured on the first episode of such a well-watched show, we hope, will encourage viewers to come and experience all the great things we have to offer for themselves.”
The episode can be watched on BBC iPlayer here.
