Volunteer

Donate

We simply couldn’t maintain and operate the Swan without our incredible volunteer support! There are many ways to get involved both onshore and offshore, and we actively encourage people to get the most out of their experience of working with The Swan Trust. Here are some examples of how you can get involved, and the benefits of volunteering:

Complete our Volunteer Registration of Interest form

Promoting what we do..

We have many CV boosting opportunities in the areas of administration and marketing, here are just a few:

contributing to our social media sites
blogging or vlogs
copywriting for editorial pieces
website maintenance
events and marketing

Fundraising...

We have ambitious plans to expand what we do. If you have great communication and financial skills, these opportunities are for you:

raise donations
crowdfunding campaigns
funding applications
sponsorship

Maintenance and upkeep...

Work parties meet regularly to keep Swan in tip top condition and provide a great way to socialise with like-minded helpers. Typical duties include:

Varnishing
Painting
Splicing
Rigging
Pre and post season ship preparations

Hours worked can be attributed towards Saltire Volunteering Awards. Make an enquiry using the form below.

As sea staff and crew...

Want to go sailing, take to the high seas as crew or sea staff helping with logistics on our range of trips:

School trips
Day trips
Longer trips abroad, to Norway, Faroe, etc.
Evening trips
Weekend trips

Previous experience is not essential, as training can be provided. You can add this experience to your sea time; learn navigation skills, work the sails and steer the ship. Develop your practical skills by helping out with cleaning, storing up, cooking and the general running of the boat.

A disclosure check will be required for trips with young people onboard.

We offer annual crew training sessions, both pre and post our sailing season, and also open delivery trips to crewing volunteers, to further develop their knowledge and experience of Swan and our sailing procedures.

Register now to get involved

If you are interested in getting involved in any way, please complete the form below to receive updates on volunteering opportunities.

Please note our policy on age limits for certain volunteering activities.

Name
Email
Contact Number
Address
Date of Birth
Emergency Contact Person Name
Emergency Contact Person Relationship
Emergency Contact Person Address
Emergency Contact Person Telephone (day)
Emergency Contact Person Telephone (evening)
Previous Experience
Why would you like to volunteer with us? Is there anything you would like to get out of the volunteering opportunity?
Please tell us about any relevant qualifications, skills, interests or hobbies you may have
Please indicate which opportunities you would like information on (tick as many as apply) Promotion & Events Fundraising Maintenance Crewing Campaign Pasted Segment - 24 Jun 2025 10:03:32 am Campaign Pasted Segment - 24 Jun 2025 10:08:33 am Campaign Pasted Segment - 26 Jun 2025 06:38:54 am
Please confirm that Swan Trust can contact you about the different volunteering options, by ticking here: I confirm Swan Trust can send me emails about the volunteering options.

2027 Charity Raffle - Prize List

27 October 2026

We have a fantastic list of prizes for our fundraising raffle - view them here and see where to buy tickets.

Swan Skipper Position for 2027 Season

12 October 2026

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.