The Swan was built in 1900 as a herring lugger in Lerwick, Shetland. She was one of a huge fleet of wooden vessels that fished for herring in the early 20th century. In 1935, she was fitted with an engine. After several wanderings, the Swan was rescued from neglect in 1991. The ship returned to Shetland to be restored. It was converted into a tall ship and became an important part of Shetland's maritime history.