Guided Lerwick Harbour Tour

Join us for a guided tour of Lerwick Harbour to discover more about the growth of Lerwick from a small collection of trading booths and huts to the bustling commercial capital we see today.

We are delighted to be working with experienced local guide Laurie Goodlad to offer this new half day trip for 2021, which will let you see Lerwick as you’ve never seen it before!

Lerwick grew with the arrival of Dutch fishermen from the 1600s. Their arrival every June meant that locals flocked to Bressay Sound to trade with these foreign visitors. Laurie will introduce you to Lerwick at this time, and describe its continued growth, which saw it overtake Scalloway, Shetland's ancient capital, in size and influence by 1838. She will detail the second herring boom of the 19th century, which saw boats like Swan take to the water in their hundreds to execute the summer fishery, and bring you up to date with our current fishing industry, which is still the mainstay industry here in the islands.

Laurie will also tell tales of the ‘smugglers’ who built the town’s foundations and point out Jimmy Perez’s house from the sea on this leisurely tour of the picturesque Lerwick Harbour.

To reserve your place please e-mail us on info@swantrust.com.

Your trip will begin with a safety briefing including how to work the lines on deck and set the sails. We will then put this into practice, while we delve into Shetland’s past and explore the Lerwick waterfront.

Included in voyage

• Laurie's unique insight into Shetland’s past and present, through the development of Shetland’s capital, Lerwick.
• Sailing instruction
• Life jacket and safety line.
• There are basic waterproofs onboard, however you may feel more comfortable in your own wet weather gear.

Please ensure you wear sensible footwear, with good grips, and warm clothing, and don't forget your camera!

Please note, you may need to board and/or disembark the boat via a vertical pier ladder.