Behind the Cloaks: Highland Pupils Go Behind the Scenes of The Traitors

Creative industries careers insight event brings Studio Lambert to the classroom

Traitors, Faithful, Shields, Challenges and Cloaks – 100 lucky pupils from Wick High School, Golspie High School, Tain Royal Academy and Alness Academy were recently treated to an unforgettable insight into the world of TV production, courtesy of the team behind the BAFTA-winning hit show The Traitors.

Held in partnership with Studio Lambert and supported by Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH) and The Highland Council, the event was aimed at young people already interested in careers in the creative industries. Many of the pupils involved are already studying creative subjects at school or through senior phase college courses.

The session offered a rare chance to go behind the scenes of one of the UK’s most talked-about reality shows. Pupils heard directly from professionals working across the production, including camera engineers, directors, production designers, directors of photography, and executive production – all of whom play a key role in bringing the drama to life.

One of the biggest surprises? The sheer scale of the operation. “We learned that there are around 200 people working on set every single day,” said one pupil. “I had no idea so many people were involved.”

The session also shone a light on the unique challenges of filming in the Highlands – from racing against the limited summer darkness to shooting overnight in order to capture key scenes. The production team spoke openly about their day-to-day roles and the unpredictable nature of life on set.

Just as importantly, they shared their career journeys. There was no single pathway – some team members left school early and started as runners, while others went to university and found their way into the industry later. The overriding message was clear: there’s no one way in, but hard work, creativity, and a willingness to say yes to opportunities can open many doors.

“It was brilliant to see young people from across four Highland schools engaging so enthusiastically with this opportunity,” said Pamela Comery, DYW School Coordinator for Alness Academy, Tain Royal Academy and Invergordon Academy. “The session brought the creative industries to life in a way that felt accessible and inspiring – and showed just how many exciting careers exist behind the camera.”

Poppy Hadden, a student from Tain Royal Academy, said, “We had an interesting workshop hearing about careers in the television industry which has helped me find out how to get into the career I want…I even got to try on The Traitors Cloak.”

Sharon MacLeod, Faculty Head of Music, PE and Home Economics at Tain Royal Academy, said, “No betrayal from the production team of The Traitors! Our students learned some really great information about a huge range of careers in Creative Industries. They were all friendly and had some exciting stories to tell. I hope Studio Lambert won’t be banished and are 100% faithful to play the long game and come back and speak to us again!”

DYWICH is committed to helping young people across the Highlands explore and understand the full range of pathways available to them – including those in industries not always visible in the region. By connecting schools with real professionals and projects, DYWICH helps demystify careers, break down barriers and open up a world of possibilities.

Are you an employer that would like to support DYWICH activities? Find out more here and get in touch today by emailing info@dywich.co.uk