Hamilton woman stars in Caledonian Sleeper's new campaign

Glasgow Times

9 hours ago

Louise Burke, 43, from Hamilton, is the new face of the Caledonian Sleeper's latest promotional campaign.
The musician, actor, and translator has spent years travelling across the UK and described the Caledonian Sleeper as a "lifeline" during her time at university.
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(Image: Supplied)
Louise said: "Travel's always been a big part of my life.
"I was always chasing trains, living out of a suitcase, constantly in motion.
"My parents will tell you I was never still.
"I'm probably one of the Caledonian Sleeper's most loyal customers, to be honest.
"It's not anything like other train journeys you've taken - you can actually enjoy the ride and have that little bit of time to unwind, to reflect, and really experience the landscapes and culture of both Scotland and England.
"I don't think I realised how much I needed that when my life was so busy."
Louise came across the opportunity to join the campaign by chance, responding to an advert.
Within days, she was plucked from for her daily commuter life and speaking with the production team.
She said: "Within just two or three days, I found myself in a conversation with the production team.
"They were really enthusiastic, and one of the first things they mentioned was how much they loved my smile.
"That was a nice surprise, and it instantly made me feel welcomed and excited about the project.
"I think what really stood out for me was the speed at which everything moved from the initial contact to being fully involved in the campaign.
"There was a real energy to the process that made it feel like the right opportunity at the right time, and I couldn't be more excited to be the face of something that connects so closely with my own values around comfort and sustainability."
The campaign marks a particularly emotional milestone for Louise and her family.
She said: "My grandparents would be so proud of this moment.
"They moved from Sunderland to Scotland to create a new future for our family, with my grandfather working in Tesco and my grandmother at the Bassetts factory.
"Seeing myself front this campaign as a Scottish local and someone who used to take the Sleeper just to get home has been surreal and incredibly moving."
The reaction from family and friends has been overwhelmingly positive, but it's Louise's train-loving nephews who have been most impressed.
(Image: Supplied) She said: "They are mad about trains and just wide-eyed seeing their auntie front the campaign.
"They have been full of questions.
"They cannot quite believe it.
"That has been the most joyful part of all.
The Caledonian Sleeper has long played an important part in the lives of commuters like Louise, who hopes her full-circle moment will add a personal touch to its legacy.
She said: "The Caledonian Sleeper stands as a proud symbol of both Scottish heritage and international connections".
"To be the face of a national campaign like this, representing something so iconic and rooted in my own heritage, was, simply put, overwhelming in the best possible way."