22 YEAR-OLD COUNTY DURHAM ENTREPRENEUR BEHIND HISTORIC EDINBURGH TRAIN RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE NORTH EAST’S RISING STARS
A 22-year-old entrepreneur from Bishop Auckland who is leading one of the North East’s most exciting and fastest growing rail tourism ventures has been named a finalist in the Rising Star category of the North East Business Awards – as his latest rail journey nears a second sell-out.
Luke Allan Holmes, who was born in Bishop Auckland in 2003 and grew up in Weardale, is the founder and CEO of Excursions By Rail, the company behind the Edinburgh Express – a special once-in-a-lifetime train marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The Edinburgh Express is the first ever direct passenger train from Weardale to Edinburgh, following part of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route and the rarely used Stillington Branch Line, before arriving at Edinburgh Waverley. The service, which sold out in under a week, went back on sale this month after an extra carriage was made available and over half of the new seats have already been booked.
“It’s humbling to see how much support this has had”, said Luke. “To bring people from my home region directly to Edinburgh for the first time ever on a historic route, 200 years after the world’s first passenger railway opened, is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Luke launched Excursions By Rail at the age of 18 to breathe new life into rural stations and branch lines, offering unforgettable day trips and experiences that combine heritage, tourism, and community pride. At just 22, he has become one of the region’s youngest and most dynamic business leaders – something now being recognised by his Rising Star nomination.
“I was born in Bishop Auckland Hospital, I’ve lived and worked in County Durham most of my life,” Luke said. “To now be running a growing business that puts this region on the map and gives local people amazing experiences is the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
Passengers on the Edinburgh Express will board at Stanhope, Frosterley, Wolsingham, Witton-le-Wear, Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Darlington, Eaglescliffe, Durham, Chester-le-Street and Newcastle, travelling through stunning countryside before arriving in Scotland’s capital. The journey marks a historic moment as the first ever direct train from Weardale to Edinburgh, including parts of the original 1825 Stockton and Darlington Railway – the birthplace of modern railways.
“This isn’t just a train ride – it’s a moment in history,” Luke added. “And this really is the last chance to be part of it.”
Final tickets are on sale now at www.excursionsbyrail.co.uk.
