The Swan Trust is seeking trustees to help shape its future and develop opportunities for people to interact with Shetland’s community asset Swan, reports Paul Scott.

Built in Lerwick in 1900, the Swan was one of hundreds of ‘Fifies’ – sailing herring drifters – that fished the waters around the UK and further afield. Today, the vessel is one of only two her size in existence, and the only one offering sail training experiences.

David Goodlad, chair of the trust, said: “We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds and ages to join our board and help steer the trust forward. With the success of this season, and the Tall Ships Races coming back to Shetland next year, this is an exciting time for the trust.”

The Swan Trust, originally formed in 1990 as a Scottish charity, recently became a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation (SCIO).

“We have also been busy on the management side, with the creation of a new business plan and four-year strategy last year, and recently becoming a SCIO,” said David Goodlad. “If you have some time to spare, and would like to help develop one of Shetland’s most valued community assets, please get in touch for an information pack.”

The trust is seeking enthusiastic people with a range of skills and interests, including but not restricted to marketing and promotion, finance and fundraising, the current maritime environment, and the maintenance and operation of heritage boats. It is also committed to recruiting a diverse trustee board.

Trustee Mary Irvine said: “We would like to welcome a broader range of folk to the board and, as well as recruiting new skills and expertise, existing trustees are looking to share the knowledge they have built up over many years with younger individuals who may want to be more involved in the management of maintenance and operational issues.

“The board is very welcoming, and new members can expect to play a meaningful part in the management and development of the trust.”

Anyone interested in being a trustee can request further information and an application pack by contacting: info@swantrust.com.

The closing date for applications is 21 October.

This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.30 here

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