Beenie-Ann Receives Swan Trust 2026 Vevoe Award

Since being established in 2011, the award has been presented annually to a trainee, or young volunteer aged 15-25, who, in the opinion of the Swan crew, has shown an outstanding dedication to sail training and teamwork during the season. Aubrey Jamieson, Area Officer for the Fishermen’s Mission made the presentation to Beenie-Ann at a recent event hosted by The Swan Trust to mark the end of the 2026 season.

Beenie-Ann, from Muckle Roe, was described by crew members as ‘someone with a truly infectious personality.’ Her positive attitude and supportive nature was highly praised and her pro-active willingness to get involved with every task on board was commended.

Her inclusive approach to life on board, making sure everyone was involved and welcomed in all activities was noted, as was her enthusiasm, initiative and contagious energy to get everyone singing, dancing, swimming and enjoying themselves. Beenie-Ann made an incredible contribution to life on board for her crew mates and is a worthy winner of the Vevoe Trophy.

Melanie Henderson, Sail Training Shetland chair, said: "We congratulate Beenie Ann on receiving this well deserved award. She fully embraced all the activities and opportunities of her sail training placement, showing great teamwork and personal development. Her feedback on her experience was also incredible, including a series of beautifully illustrated postcards. We wish her every success in the future."

The trophy was commissioned by the Trust following a donation from the late Willie Simpson, who crewed on Swan from 1954-56 and during the return of the boat to Lerwick in 1991. Willie o‘Vevoe, as he was known, was part of the Simpson family who skippered and crewed Swan between 1905 and 1956. The family are still involved with Swan today, with Willie’s son John Willlum on the board of trustees.

Swan Trust Chair, Mary Irvine, said “On behalf of the board of Trustees, we offer our congratulations to Beenie-Ann who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, empathy and enthusiasm during her journey on Swan.

“She is a very worthy winner of this award and we hope that she continues to embrace her interest in sailing and Shetland’s maritime heritage.”