About The Swan Trust
Built and launched in Shetland in 1900, Swan LK 243 was one of the finest boats in the Scottish fishing fleet. Having survived two world wars and the threat of destruction, the ship has been authentically restored to her former glory by The Swan Trust, a team of dedicated volunteers. The Trust is a Scottish Charity, the purpose of which is to advance education, and in particular:
- Restore and ensure the continued maintenance of the Swan, so she maybe preserved and open to the public as part of Shetland's maritime and fishing heritage;
- Encourage and facilitate interested parties and particularly young people to sail on the Swan, thereby teaching and keeping alive the techniques of sailing and working a traditional Sail Fifie.
About The Swan
Photo by David Collins
The Fifie Swan LK 243 was launched in May 1900 at Hay and Company’s yard in Lerwick, Shetland and in her early days, was operated from Lerwick and used for longline fishing for white fish in the spring, and driftnet herring fishing from May to September. By 1935 the Swan was one of only five herring sail boats left in Shetland and in the 1950s the grand old lady was retired. In 1960 she was towed to Grimsby to be converted to a houseboat, but by 1982 she was in Hartlepool, where she lay neglected, sinking two or three times due to lack of care.
From the thousands of Fifies that once fished around Shetland, the Swan was now the last and she was spotted by classic boat enthusiast Keith Parkes, despite laying submerged with only her masts showing. He started a conservation project on the vessel, but the restoration was too time consuming, and he offered her up for sale. Local navigation teacher Tom Moncrieff spotted his advert. He wanted Swan to be used as a living museum and sail training vessel and, in the light of these plans, The Swan Steering Group - later to become The Swan Trust - was formed.
The Swan returned to Lerwick in 1991 and her restoration took 6 years to complete. Local craftsmen with specialist knowledge worked to faithfully restore her to her former glory. On 11th May 1996 she was relaunched in Lerwick harbour, almost exactly 96 years since she first took to the water. The Swan began her new life as a sail training and charter vessel in 1998. In her first year she did 40 trips, and carried 450 trainees on board. Since then she has become a familiar sight not only in Shetland waters, but also in the fjords of Norway and off the Faroese coast each year. She has also taken trainees to ports in France, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden and Holland and around the UK to take part in the Tall Ships Races.
Sailing and Sail Training
Developing young people, and teaching them about Shetland's maritime heritage, is at the heart of the Trust, and they work with local organisations to offer youth opportunities and sail training experiences. This includes a partnership with Sail Training Shetland, to offer an annual sail training experience to 15-25 year olds; Zetland Educational Trust, to offer half day charters to schools; and other projects with local youth groups and schools. By crewing the Swan, young people discover the excitement and reward that comes with relying on themselves and each other, and learn some of the most important skills in life. It is heartening to see some of these young people returning to become regular volunteers and crew members on board Swan, as well as several going onto various careers at sea
The Trust also offers sailing trips to the public. No previous sailing experience is required and, where possible, they accommodate people of all abilities. When you come aboard Swan you are undertaking an adventure. You are part of the ‘hands on’ crew for that trip, and come under the command of the skipper. You will play an active role in sailing and working this classic sailing ship.
Community and Volunteering
Run by volunteers, Swan could not operate without the support of those in the community and further afield. Their dedicated volunteers manage, maintain, fundraise, promote and operate Swan. With busy sailing seasons, promotional events, fundraising, marketing and winter vessel maintenance programmes, many hands make light work! There are many ways to get involved both onshore and offshore.
The Swan Trust values and helps develop their volunteer base and works with partner organisations to enhance community events and funding bids for youth, community and other projects. They also develop/strengthen links between Shetland and other coastal communities, building Shetland's brand. The sail training and volunteering experiences they offer are about much more than sailing/maintaining the boat, they also promote mental and physical health, build life experiences, confidence, skills and friendships, and they keep our heritage alive.
LATEST NEWS
October 2024: Ferry company to fund new mast for Swan Full story
March 2024: Swan named as the 2023 Sail Training Vessel of the Year by MCA and the Association of Sail Training Organisations Full story
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