All Aboard for Doors Open Day

Doors Open Days is Scotland's largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old. Many public and private buildings and facilities open their doors to welcome the public in for a look at spaces which are not always available to visit.

Swan took part in the Shetland weekend which was on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st September. 37 people visited on the Friday and there were more than 120 on the Saturday. Those who came along had a chance to see into the engine room, saloon, galley and even try out the bunks. AJ Noble, Jason Noble and Darcy Noble managed to fit into one bunk as they checked out the sleeping quarters on board. (pictured)

The open day was a good chance for some of the charitie's Trustees to meet with the public and tell them more about the history and current operations of the boat - which celebrates it's 125th anniversary in May 2025.

Paul Robinson from Yell also came along and brought his amazing scale model of Swan which he has painstakingly made by hand over the last year. The prize winning model has a motor and can be sailed by remote control.

Among those who visited, was Daniel Clark and his daughter Enid Gear. It was Enid's first time on board the boat and while she was aprehensive at first, like many trainees who embark on a sail training trip, she was converted in the end and may be a future sail trainee!

After Doors Open Day, Swan has one further public sail in the summer schedule and will then berth in Scalloway for the winter.