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 more9 May 2026
Shetland’s own Tall Ship, Swan, will host an open day this weekend (16th & 17th May) at Victoria Pier in Lerwick, where members of the public can view the newly upgraded facilities in the boat’s forepeak section.
Extensive work has been taking place over the winter months to upgrade the toilet, shower and galley facilities on board the 126-year-old former fishing vessel.
A funding package of almost £100,000 was confirmed last year, with contributions from Shetland Islands Council’s Coastal Communities Fund, Arven Offshore Wind Farm, Lerwick Port Authority, Peterson Energy Logistics and the Trust’s own reserves.
Local firm, Malakoff, have been working on board all winter and the boat was ready for the new season in time for the first trips earlier this month with Sail Training Shetland, and a visit to Yell this week to deliver trips for all three local schools.
The crew, Trustees and volunteers are looking forward to welcoming the public on board this weekend to show off the fantastic new facilities and share details of the sailing experiences available this year, and looking ahead to 2027.
Swan will take part in the Tall Ships Races again this year, joining in Harlingen in the Netherlands and going on to Antwerp, Stavanger and Aalborg before returning home with a group of young people from Shetland as part of the partnership with Sail Training Shetland. There are a number of public trips available to book through the Trust’s website at www.swantrust.com.
Swan will be berthed at Victoria Pier on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th with the public welcome to visit on board from 10.30am – 4.00pm each day. Access will be via the cruise pontoon and visitors are asked to take care when moving around the quayside and pontoon areas.
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
Ahoy there – Join the Swan for Summer 2027! Shetland’s own Tall Ship, Swan, has an exciting opportunity for a qualified Skipper to join us for the 2027 summer season. This will offer a fantastic experience sailing round Shetland, North East Scotland, and international journeys to the Faroe Islands. The role would suit a someone keen on adventure who understands the importance and value of sail training to our younger sailors, and the quality of experience for our public sailing trips. The position may be available as a job share opportunity for the right candidate.
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Beenie-Ann Wood from Muckle Roe has been awarded the 2026 Vevoe Trophy at the season finale event hosted by the Swan Trust.
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