Emma tasked with steering The Swan to long term success

Volunteer trustees oversee the operation of Shetland’s restored historic herring drifter Swan, but – with financial assistance from the Coastal Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise – have appointed a Community Links Officer to help meet the Trust’s long-term priorities: maintaining and improving the iconic Swan, keeping alive traditional nautical techniques through sail training, securing funders and sponsorships, and managing a wide range of projects - involving volunteers, schools, youth groups and others.

Having recently started in post, Ms Miller commented that she is looking forward to helping make sure that the Swan is safeguarded and enjoyed for generations of Shetlanders to come.

“Over the past few years I have enjoyed working on a range of maritime based projects including Shetland Boat Week, establishing the Shetland Maritime Heritage Society and, of course, the delivery of the Tall Ships Races in Lerwick this past summer. Shetland folk are rightly proud of their maritime heritage and the Swan plays a key part in enabling young and old to have a hands on experience with sailing and history together. While I’ll be part time in this role, it fits in well with the other community based projects that my business continues to manage.”

(photo credit Sophie Whitehead)

With a full summer programme of sailings, both around the islands and further afield to Orkney, Norway, and St Kilda, anyone can experience the adventure and challenge of being at sea on the Swan. Further details on the trips and how to book public sailings will be added to the website soon at www.swantrust.com.

David Goodlad, Chair of The Swan Trust, said: “We would like to thank our funders for enabling us to appoint someone with the welcome experience and impressive track record that Emma will bring to the Swan’s operations and long-term planning. She will be an invaluable help in protecting, securing and improving the vessel and its much-valued role in Shetland society.”

Ms Miller will be assisted in her post by a part time Administration and Finance Assistant, also funded by Coastal Communities Fund and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. Melanie Tulloch has been appointed to this role and will start later in December.