Sail training ship Swan heading to Ullapool for new mast

AHEAD of her 125th anniversary celebrations next year Shetland’s own tall ship Swan is getting a new mast.

Thanks to funding from Serco NorthLink Ferries, the sail training vessel is expected to head to Ullapool next week for the work. The current mast, fitted during previous restoration work, is now 30 years old.

The replacement project is being led by Ullapool-based Isle Ewe Boats.

The company’s Alasdair Grant will work alongside Johnson and Loftus Boat Builders on the construction of the new mast.

Their shared sawmill is said to have been already been hard at work forming the shape of the new 65-foot mast from a Douglas Fir tree, sourced from Tyre Bagger in Aberdeen.

There is a hope that at least some of the old mast could return to Shetland, given that it is part of the vessel’s history.

Swan Trust chair Mary Irvine said “We are so grateful to NorthLink Ferries for the generous sponsorship that has enabled us to secure Swan’s future by replacing the main mast.

“This will ensure many more years of safe and exciting sailing adventures on board for all ages and keep Shetland’s flagship vessel and maritime heritage prominent in the local, national and international sailing scene.”

Stuart Garrett, Serco’s managing director of NorthLink Ferries, said: “Sailing is part of the heritage of the communities we serve at NorthLink Ferries and therefore we are really pleased to be able to support the replacement of the mast on the Swan.

“By supporting this project, we want to ensure that future generations can enjoy this historic boat and have some exciting adventures onboard the Swan.

“We look forward to following the progress of work on the mast and seeing her out at sea again once work is complete.”

With the Tall Ships Races heading to Aberdeen next year, the Swan – which was built in 1900 – has been already providing sail training taster sessions to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire based young people hoping to take part in the event.