Swan to Undergo Major Upgrade

In March, approval was given by the Shetland Islands Council Development Committee for £71,744 from the Coastal Communities Fund towards the project. The remaining funds have been committed from Arven Offshore Wind Farm, Lerwick Port Authority, Peterson Energy Logistics and the Trust’s own reserves. The total project value is £97,600 and local firm Malakoff Limited have been appointed, following a tendering exercise, to provide the expert services required.

With the exception of the recent replacement of the main mast in November 2024, this is the first large scale upgrade on board Swan since the full restoration was completed in 1996. The work will see the forepeak section of the boat fully re-fitted with an improved layout for the galley, heads, workshop and storage areas. Water tanks, refrigeration and shower facilities will also be upgraded. The works will provide a more practical use of the space and improve on board experiences for those taking part in sail training trips and public charter sails.

The contract for the work was officially signed this week with Malakoff Limited who will use a range of local tradesmen and apprentices to strip back the front section of the boat before beginning the alterations and new layout installation. Swan Trust Treasurer, George Anderson said “Malakoff are an experienced local shipbuilding company with extensive knowledge of maritime construction and engineering. We are delighted to have been able to award this contract to Malakoff, who were the shipyard responsible for the original restoration in the 1990s, and also carry out annual maintenance on Swan, so the team are very familiar with the vessel.”

Swan Chair, Mary Irvine added “This is the most significant piece of work to be carried out on Swan for the last 30 years. With the recent replacement of the main mast, thanks to Serco NorthLink, and this generous and considerable level of funding being provided; our supporters have been able to secure the operational future of Swan to continue providing valuable life skills and training experiences to the next generations of Shetland bairns.

“I can’t overstate how important this piece of work is in terms of making the boat a more comfortable, efficient and practical space. It will make an incredible difference to those sailing on board, and on behalf of the thousands of people who will benefit, I’d like to thank the SIC Coastal Communities Fund, Arven Offshore Wind Farm, Lerwick Port Authority and Peterson Energy Logistics.”

Dougie Stevenson of Malakoff Limited added "Malakoff are delighted to have been chosen to carry out this significant upgrade to the Swan."

The work will take place between October and December this year, when Swan would normally be berthed for the winter season so will not affect any planned trips. The new look boat will be tested and inspected to industry safety standards before being available again for sail training activities in April 2026. The public diary for 2026 trips will be available on the Trust website from around October.

Image L-R: Jessie Szego (Malakoff), George Anderson (Swan Trust Treasurer), Aaron Priest (Arven Offshore Wind Farm), Sally Spence (Coastal Communities Fund), Mary Irvine (Swan Trust Chair), Melanie Henderson (Lerwick Port Authority), James Johnson (Peterson Energy Logistics)