Want to get involved in sail training boat trips in Shetland? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer.
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Being built, launched and working most of her long career in Shetland, Swan has always had a strong link with the community. Both during her return/restoration, and now with her ongoing operation, the community of Shetland has supported The Swan Trust and its objectives and we look to give back to the community wherever we can.
First and foremost, Swan is a community asset which brings people together, whether on a sailing trip, as part of our volunteer base or through community events. With a particular focus on enabling youth sail training opportunities, we connect with schools, sail training and youth organisations, and undertake a range of youth sails every year. We believe our youth are our future and always enjoy seeing them learn new skills, challenge themselves and grow in confidence on our trips.
We value and help to develop the skills of our volunteer base, looking to help them as they help us, and work with partner organisations to enhance community events and funding bids for youth, community and other projects. We also develop/strengthen links between Shetland and other coastal communities, building Shetland's brand.
The sail training and volunteering experiences we offer are about much more than sailing/maintaining the boat, they promote mental and physical health, build life experiences, confidence, skills and friendships.
We are incredibly proud to work with the community of Shetland, and the work we do to both keep our heritage alive and offer life changing experiences for our current and future generations.
Examples of communtiy work and links with local events:
2020 - Note: Due to COVID-19 these 2020 activities have been cancelled, however we are working on rescheduling many to 2021.
2019
Want to get involved in sail training boat trips in Shetland? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer.
Learn moreJoseph Kay has spent the majority of his career as a fisherman, laterally as the second skipper on the Donvale. Now working on the Whalsay Ferry, he continues to be an avid supporter of the fishing industry. Here he shares some of his memories of the Swan, his time at the fishing, and stories from those who crewed the Swan, and similar vessels, in the days of sailing herring drifters.
Read MoreThe Swan Trust has been awarded £17,800 through the Historic Environment Recovery Fund, which was launched last year to support the recovery of Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of COVID-19.
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