Want to get involved in maintaining and operating a traditional wooden sailing vessel? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer to safeguard, care for and sail this unique heritage asset.
Learn more28 April 2025
Shetland’s iconic sail training vessel, Swan (LK243), marks a monumental milestone this May – 125 years since her launch at Hay’s Dock in 1900.
Built by Hay & Co. as the largest herring boat of her time, this historic Fifie has weathered wars, fished the herring boom, and helped train a generation of seafarers since her meticulous restoration in 1996. Now, the Swan Trust invites the Shetland community to join in a weekend of celebrations to honour her remarkable legacy.
Saturday 3rd May 2025
Kick off the festivities with the opening of a special exhibition, 125 Years of Swan, at Shetland Museum & Archives at 10:00am. Explore Swan’s journey from herring fishery to National Historic Ships Flagship. Swan Trustees will be on hand from 10:00am to 12:00 noon to share stories and chat with visitors.
Sunday 4th May 2025
Step aboard Swan for a free public open day from 10:00am to 4:00pm, berthed at her birthplace of Hay’s Dock. Trustees, crew, and volunteers will welcome the community to tour the boat, share memories, and learn about her storied past. Whether you’ve sailed on Swan or are just curious to see inside, this is a great opportunity to connect with Shetland’s maritime heritage.
Sailing Opportunities: 1st–5th May 2025
Experience Swan under sail! Full and half-day trips are available on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th of May. Book your spot for a traditional sailing adventure on this iconic vessel at https://www.swantrust.com/upcoming-boat-trips.
We invite everyone to help us celebrate Swan – a testament to Shetland’s seafaring spirit and its community resilience. For more details, visit www.swantrust.com or contact the Swan Trust.
Want to get involved in maintaining and operating a traditional wooden sailing vessel? There are a number of different ways you can volunteer to safeguard, care for and sail this unique heritage asset.
Learn more
Shetland’s iconic sail training vessel, Swan (LK243), marks a monumental milestone this May – 125 years since her launch at Hay’s Dock in 1900.
Read More
In planning an exhibition to mark 125 years since the launch of Swan LK243, Trustees are looking to the Shetland public to loan items for display that would be of interest in charting in the Swan’s history.
Read More