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 more15 July 2021
The Swan Trust is delighted to have received funding from the Shetland Islands Council Coastal Communities Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to enable them to undertake a three year project which will help build community links and deliver their strategic priorities.
This project will build on the foundations of a previous 2 year project, funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Shetland LEADER Programme 2014-2020, which helped the Trust through a period of transition, identified new strategic priorities and developed a business plan, which this new project will help deliver. The funding will be used to employ an officer on a part time basis for three years and commission a naval architect to redesign the Swan forepeak, which are both instrumental in the Trust achieving its new priorities.
Trust Chairman, David Goodlad, commented: “We have made great progress over the past couple of years, even while facing the challenges of a global pandemic. This new project will enable us to continue to develop opportunities, engage with our community, and deliver our volunteering and sail training experiences.”
This funding comes as Shetland has been announced as a host port for Sail Training International’s Tall Ships Races 2023. Through this project The Trust is also looking to expand its support of the Tall Ships event and help ensure the community, especially its young folk, reap the benefits.
Chair of the Trust’s Operations Committee, Tommy Allan, commented: “The Tall Ships Races coming back to Shetland will provide a host of opportunities for our community, both on and off shore. By building links with current and new partners we can open new opportunities to get involved, and include those who may be harder to reach. The Swan has a lot to offer Shetland and, as a community asset, we want to engage with as many people as possible in the lead up to Tall Ships 2023 and beyond.”
The Trust is grateful both funders, with the Shetland Islands Council Coastal Communities Fund supporting 85% of project costs and Highlands and Islands Enterprise 10%. The remaining 5% was allocated from the Trust’s own funds.
If you would like to help support the Swan, follow these links to donate or volunteer with the Trust.
Anyone can sail on the Swan, for details of trips available to book check out our upcoming trips.
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
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