News / Swan set to undergo biggest upgrade for almost 30 years
THE ICONIC sail training boat Swan is set to undergo a major upgrade this winter, with local company Malakoff to carry out the work.
It will be the first large scale upgrade on the vessel – which celebrated its 125th anniversary last month – since a major restoration almost 30 years ago.
The work will see the forepeak section of the boat fully re-fitted with an improved layout for the galley, heads, workshop and storage areas.
Water tanks, refrigeration and shower facilities will also be upgraded.
The Swan Trust said the works will “provide a more practical use of the space and improve on board experiences for those taking part in sail training trips and public charter sails”.
Just over £70,000 has been committed to the project through the Coastal Communities Fund, which is administered by the council.
The remainder of the total £97,600 cost comes from Lerwick Port Authority, Peterson Energy Logistics, Arven Offshore Windfarm and the Swan Trust’s own reserves.
Malakoff has signed on to carry out the work following a tendering exercise, and Swan Trust treasurer George Anderson said the company was the perfect fit for the project.
“Malakoff are an experienced local shipbuilding company with extensive knowledge of maritime construction and engineering,” he said.
“We are delighted to have been able to award this contract to Malakoff, who were the shipyard responsible for the original restoration in the 1990s, and also carry out annual maintenance on Swan, so the team are very familiar with the vessel.”
Swan Trust chairwoman Mary Irvine said this would be the “most significant piece of work to be carried out on Swan for the last 30 years”.
“With the recent replacement of the main mast, thanks to Serco NorthLink, and this generous and considerable level of funding being provided, our supporters have been able to secure the operational future of Swan to continue providing valuable life skills and training experiences to the next generations of Shetland bairns,” she said.
“I can’t overstate how important this piece of work is in terms of making the boat a more comfortable, efficient and practical space.”
The work will take place between October and December this year, when Swan would normally be berthed for the winter season, so it will not affect any planned trips.
Swan will be tested and inspected before becoming available again for sail training activities in April 2026.
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