Open days to give folk a look at Swan upgrades

SHETLAND’s own tall ship Swan will get a spot in the limelight this weekend as folk get a chance to check out its newly upgraded facilities.

Extensive work has been taking place over the winter months to upgrade the toilet, shower and galley facilities on board the 126-year-old former fishing vessel.

She will have open days this weekend, with people able to take a look at the Swan at Victoria Pier in Lerwick between 10.30am and 4pm today and Sunday (16/17 May).

Access will be via the cruise pontoon and visitors are asked to take care when moving around the quayside and pontoon areas.

A funding package of almost £100,000 was confirmed last year for the upgrades, with contributions from Shetland Islands Council’s Coastal Communities Fund, Arven Offshore Wind Farm, Lerwick Port Authority, Peterson Energy Logistics and the Swan Trust’s own reserves.

Local firm Malakoff has been working on board through winter, with the boat ready for the new season in time for the first trips earlier this month with Sail Training Shetland.

She also visited Yell this week to deliver trips for all three local schools.

The crew, trustees and volunteers will be on hand to show off the new facilities and share details of the sailing experiences available this year.

Swan will take part in the Tall Ships Races again this year, joining in Harlingen in the Netherlands and going on to Antwerp, Stavanger and Aalborg before returning home with a group of young people from Shetland.

There are also a number of public trips available to book through the trust’s website.