Recognition for sail trainee

Tom Chivers was Sail Training Shetland's youngest applicant this year and one of the most enthusiastic, having come back for more trips on the Swan since! He turned 15 years old in June this year and lives in Cunningsburgh. His aspiration is to pursue a maritime career and had already done some study with North Atlantic Fisheries College to learn rope work, safety at sea, etc as part of the Skills for Work courses. His sail training experience gave him a chance at a new adventure away from home to boost his practical experience and develop new life skills. The best parts in his opinion were meeting other crews from other ships, taking part in various activities and living and working with the Swan crew. On his return he gifted a photobook he produced showing his voyage from start to finish - a great memento capturing all his experiences.

2015 marks the fifth consecutive year The Swan Trust has presented the Vevoe Trophy to its most outstanding trainee. The trophy, a faithful copy of the original Swan's wheel, is on permanent display in a Swan-related cabinet in the foyer of the North Atlantic Fisheries College. Tom is pictured here receiving the trophy, which was made by the late Lowrie Robertson, and holding a personalised plaque of the Swan crafted in cold-cast bronze, by Terry Atkinson, which he will keep.

The presentation was made by Aubrey Jamieson, Superintendent of the Fishermen's Mission, at a well-attended evening organised for Swan volunteers last Saturday in the Lerwick Boating Club. The evening was an opportunity for trainees to gather informally and share memories and experiences of the their trips on the Swan, and was rounded off by some marvellous music from Kirsten Henry and Brian Nicolson, as well as the North Ness Boys.