Comedian and TV star Susan Calman to voice new Caledonian Sleeper train announcements from Inverness to London
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RAIL passengers travelling aboard Caledonian Sleeper overnight services will soon be woken by one of Scotland’s most popular celebs – after Susan Calman was named the voice of the new trains.
The TV and radio star is no stranger to travelling to some of the nation’s best-loved destinations having recently presented Channel 5’s Secret Scotland.
And now, her tour of Scotland will continue six nights a week as she ‘travels’ on board Caledonian Sleeper between London and various Scottish locations including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fort William, Glasgow and Inverness.
Susan, who will voice all scheduled announcements, is a frequent guest on board and a huge advocate of sleeper travel. During her time on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing last year, she even filmed on the train as part of the show.
Susan said: "I spend almost as much time on the Caledonian Sleeper as I do in my own house and so it was a great pleasure to give voice to the new trains. I look forward to being woken up by myself. Although it might give me a fright occasionally."
The new Caledonian Sleeper trains will be introduced by the end of May and for the first time will include rooms with double beds and en-suite toilet and showers.
Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “Susan is the perfect fit as the voice of Caledonian Sleeper. Like us, she has a real sense of adventure and is completely at home travelling around Scotland.
“Our ambition with our new trains is to deliver a timeless experience for guests and I know Susan is thrilled to be part of such a huge change to the service. We’re firmly on the final countdown now and I cannot wait for guests to step on board and see the new Caledonian Sleeper for the first time.”
The new fleet, built at a cost of over £100m and part funded by a capital grant from the Scottish Ministers of £60m, aims to cater to business and leisure travellers.
New features will include a hotel-style key card entry system, more accessible rooms, charging panels and WiFi throughout the train.
The trains will initially be introduced on the Lowlander route between Glasgow / Edinburgh and London before being rolled out onto the Highlander which serves Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness.
To find out more about the Caledonian Sleeper, visit sleeper.scot
