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Volunteer

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:

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...

St Kilda Trip, by Ewen Tait

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.

  • Please indicate which opportunities you would like information on (tick as many as apply)
  • Please confirm that Swan Trust can contact you about the different volunteering options, by ticking here:

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The Swan Trust SCIO are seeking a qualified Skipper to join the crew of Swan LK243 for an exciting summer season in 2024. Join our experienced Mate and volunteer crew for an adventurous and rewarding summer of sail training and public cruises.

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Sail Training Shetland are inviting applications from young people aged 15 – 25 to take part in The Tall Ships Races 2024 this summer, with a series of free Taster Day Sails available on Swan in April to whet the appetite in preparation.

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