Swan LK243 - 125 Years of Maritime Heritage
Saturday, May 3rd 2025 - Sunday, June 29th 2025
Briggiestanes, Shetland Museum
Swan LK243 reaches the grand old age of 126 on Saturday 3rd May 2025.
An anniversary exhibition celebrating 125 years of Swan opens at Shetland Museum and Archives on 3rd May.
Launched from Lerwick in 1900, Swan fished under sail until 1935, by which time she was one of only five sailing herring drifters left in Shetland. Fitted with an engine, she continued to fish until the 1950s, and left Shetland in 1960 for conversion to a houseboat. Following several owners, she was rediscovered in Hartlepool submerged and neglected. The Swan Trust was formed in 1990 to save her. After a major restoration, Swan was re-launched in 1996. Based in Shetland, Swan now operates as a sail training and charter vessel and is a regular entrant in the Tall Ships Races. Each year she takes out hundreds of students from schools and youth groups, as well as members of community groups and the general public. Swan was one of National Historic Ships UK's Flagships of the Year in 2023.
This exhibition will celebrate the 125-year history of Swan LK243 through a collection of memorabilia including boat models and objects of historical maritime significance as well as paintings, and art pieces that reflect the history of this iconic vessel. These works will provide a visual journey of the boat’s evolution, highlighting key moments from her long and varied career.
Zone Scotland