Restored Slipway Commemorates Shetland Bus Legacy

The village of Scalloway in Shetland unveiled the restored Prince Olav slipway on Thursday, marking a significant connection to its wartime history with the Shetland Bus operation. The formal opening included a ceremony at the nearby Shetland Bus memorial, honoring the memory of the 44 men who lost their lives during this secretive World War Two initiative.

The newly restored slipway and a replica boat cradle, constructed by Malakoff last year, served as the focal point of the event. The original cradle, built in 1942, facilitated repairs on Norwegian fishing boats employed in the Shetland Bus missions. Designed by Sub Lieutenant David Howarth and constructed by Norwegian shipwrights in collaboration with the Scalloway shipyard, the cradle was essential in the operation’s early years. Components were sourced locally, including a winch from Fair Isle and a single-cylinder engine salvaged from a Norwegian fishing vessel wrecked in 1941.

As the Shetland Bus operation transitioned from fishing boats to armed “submarine chasers,” the slipway’s hauling equipment underwent necessary enhancements. After the war, the Prince Olav slipway continued to support small boats but remained unused in recent years until this restoration project was initiated.

The £130,000 project received funding through donations from both Shetland and Norway, showcasing a shared commitment to preserving this historical site. The replica’s design benefited from the insights of former employees of the William Moore & Sons shipyard, who contributed their memories of the original structure.

At the ceremony, Jim Young, a trustee of the Shetland Bus Friendship Society (SBFS), shared insights about the restoration process. He expressed gratitude for those who contributed funding, noting that the endeavor took longer than anticipated due, in part, to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The restored slipway will remind future generations of a unique moment in the shared wartime history of Shetland and Norway,” Young stated. He emphasized that the site serves as a memorial to the Norwegians involved in the missions, the engineers from Scalloway, and the local community that supported these operations.

The event was described by Charlie Grant, chairman of the SBFS, as a “special day” that united supporters and donors from both sides of the North Sea. Representatives from Norway, including Aasmund Anderson and Jenny Heggvik, expressed their appreciation for the dedication seen in Shetland Bus projects. Anderson remarked on the importance of the slipway, stating that it will ensure the history of the Shetland Bus operation is preserved for future generations.

Heggvik addressed the importance of peace amid ongoing global conflicts, urging continued efforts toward resolution and understanding. She highlighted that a “substantial portion” of the project’s funding came from the municipalities of Øygarden and Bergen, as well as contributions from Norwegian armed forces, businesses, and individuals.

Following the speeches, a plaque was unveiled by Bill Moore, an SBFS trustee and son of the original shipyard owner, alongside Astrid Larsen, daughter of famed Shetland Bus skipper Leif Andreas Larsen. The unveiling was witnessed by members of the public, including the crew of the former Norwegian fishing boat Haugefisk, who were visiting Shetland and had personal ties to the Shetland Bus operations.

The commemorative activities continued with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shetland Bus memorial, featuring contributions from Stephen Howarth, son of David Howarth, and Stephen Leask, a trustee of the SBFS. Participants were then invited to the Scalloway Museum for refreshments, culminating in a dinner and musical evening, with plans to visit Lunna, another historical Shetland Bus base, the following day.

This restoration not only revitalizes a significant piece of Shetland’s maritime history but also strengthens the enduring bond between Shetland and Norway, ensuring that the legacy of the Shetland Bus operation will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.