A WOMAN whose image was seen around the world - emblazoned on the cover of Carr's biscuit tins - has passed away aged 95.

Louise MacRae, the face of Carr's biscuits in the 1950s, died on December 29, 2023, according to her obituary in the Press & Journal. 

Born on June 11,1928 in Aberdeen, Louise MacRae was the very picture of Scottish ‘shortbread tin’ imagery.

She was a community stalwart, a trusted friend, and wife to Samuel Irvine Rae for 68 years until his death in 2021.

Louise was an instinctively musical dancer and her regal poise 'turned more than a few heads'.

While competitive in most categories, she was always near unbeatable in the jig, albeit lukewarm towards the sword dance.

The immediate post-war years were the young champion’s heyday on the boards, with her name rarely absent from highland games prize lists. More often than not she would place above her two great rivals, Betty Jessiman and JL Mackenzie. Her contemporaries, they would both go on to be crowned world champions.

News and Star: Louise MacRae was known across the worldLouise MacRae was known across the world (Image: Supplied)

As such she caught the attention of the shortbread manufacturers of the era, becoming a biscuit tin cover girl for Carr’s of Carlisle.

Her photo was emblazoned on boxes shipped across the world throughout the 1950s.

News and Star: Louise on the cover of Carr's shortbread biscuit tinLouise on the cover of Carr's shortbread biscuit tin (Image: Supplied)

During the Second World War, she was snapped up by the leading concert parties of the day, performing fundraisers for the Red Cross and British Legion around village halls.

She met Irvine Rae, home on leave from the Royal Engineers on the dancefloor of Aberdeen’s Palais ballroom, and they married in 1952. 

Irvine also came to work in Carlisle after the war at the Metal Box Company with the help of his army friend Tom, who also lived in the border city. They remained close friends until Tom's death. 

News and Star: Louise and Irvine in their later yearsLouise and Irvine in their later years (Image: Supplied)Although they lived further north when together, Irvine and Louise's connections to Carlisle were just one of many reasons why their daughter Ishbel believes they were destined to be together.

Louise died peacefully at the age of 95 and is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.