Herring fishing in the early 1900s
© Shetland Museum Photo Archive
© Shetland Museum Photo Archive
Starting in Lerwick, Shetland, Swan is taking a trip down memory lane with a herring fishery themed sailing trip, visiting various ports of importance to Scotland’s herring fishery and ending in Anstruther, home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum.
Trip Duration: 8th - 18th June
When launched in 1900, Swan was described as one of the finest boats amongst the Scottish fishing fleet, and had a long fishing career before her retirement in the 1950s.
Today, many ports have little physical evidence of the Scottish herring booms in the early 20th century which Swan was at the heart of. This trip looks to celebrate Swan’s heritage, and how fisheries are still a major part of the Shetland, and Scottish, economy.
Your trip will start in Swan’s home port, Lerwick, with a talk about the importance of the Herring fishery in Swan’s day, and finish in Anstruther, with an activity in the Scottish Fisheries Museum. If weather allows, we will call into Orkney, Wick, Fraserburgh and/or Peterhead. If time and weather allow, we may also visit other ports, such as Stonehaven and/or Arbroath.
In relation to planned activities, we hope to offer a mix of Scotland's fishing heritage and modern practices. Partners already confirmed include the The Wick Society, and Scottish Fisheries Museum, along with a talk in Lerwick by one of our own Trustees.
While we will have a number of evenings in port, we hope to offer a good mix of overnight, open passage and coastal day sails, so you can also enjoy a varied sailing experience.
A voyage on Swan is very much a hands-on experience - you are part of her crew, and work as a team to make your voyage happen. Every trip starts with a comprehensive safety briefing, including how to work the lines on deck, and our experienced crew are always on hand to guide you in the safe operation of the ship. All tasks are shared and everyone joins in, from the most to the least experienced. For more details of what to expect on board please refer to our Welcome Aboard leaflet.
Included in voyage
Included in the price are a range of herring fishery related activities, sailing instruction, accommodation and all meals for the duration of your stay. For further details on what is included, and what to bring with you, please refer to our kit list.
To book please e-mail: info@swantrust.com
Contact details
The Swan Trust
PO Box 2
Shetland
UK
ZE1 0WW
PO Box 2
Shetland
UK
ZE1 0WW
Tour prices
From
- £1350 Per Adult
- £1000 Concession
Book now
Prices are subject to change depending on season
Attractions
Tour company information
The Swan Trust
When you come aboard the Swan you are embarking on a 'hands on' adventure. Play an active role in sailing and working the ship, build friendships with your crew mates, develop new skills and take in stunning scenery. Sailing trips range from a half day to 14 days and no previous sailing experience is required. Private charter also available by request.
