Restored Prince Olav Slipway Honors Shetland Bus Heroes

The newly restored Prince Olav slipway in Scalloway has reopened, serving as a poignant reminder of the village’s connection to the historic Shetland Bus operation during World War II. The official opening took place on July 27, 2023, followed by a ceremony at the Shetland Bus memorial, honoring the 44 men who lost their lives in this covert wartime mission.

This restoration project, which cost £130,000, was funded through generous donations from individuals and organizations in both Shetland and Norway. The slipway was originally built in 1942 and allowed for the necessary repairs to Norwegian fishing boats involved in the Shetland Bus operations. The project was spearheaded by Jim Young, a trustee of the Shetland Bus Friendship Society (SBFS), who emphasized the importance of preserving this piece of history for future generations.

Significance of the Restoration

The restored slipway includes a replica boat cradle that reflects the ingenuity of its original design by sub lieutenant David Howarth and Norwegian shipwrights from William Moore & Sons in Scalloway. The original cradle utilized materials sourced from various locations across Shetland, including a winch from Fair Isle and a single-cylinder engine salvaged from a Norwegian fishing boat wrecked in 1941.

During the ceremony, Young shared anecdotes about the slipway’s history, noting that the first boat to use it in the 1940s originated from Øygarden. This detail was particularly meaningful as Tom Georg Indrevik, the mayor of Øygarden, was present at the event. “The restoration took longer than we’d hoped, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Young stated, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the funding.

The slipway not only serves as a functional piece of maritime infrastructure but also stands as a lasting tribute to the Norwegian sailors and Shetland engineers who were integral to the Shetland Bus missions.

A Community Effort

The project was made possible by the collaborative efforts of several key figures. Børge Haugetun, former mayor of Øygarden, initially proposed the restoration of the slipway and cradle. Retired engineers George and Raymond Sinclair provided invaluable insights based on their memories of the original slipway.

During the ceremony, Charlie Grant, chairman of the SBFS, described the occasion as a “special day,” bringing together supporters from both sides of the North Sea. Additionally, representatives from Norway—including Aasmund Anderson and Jenny Heggvik—expressed their appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by the Shetland community in preserving this part of shared history. Heggvik remarked on the importance of maintaining peace in the context of ongoing global conflicts, underscoring the relevance of history in fostering understanding and cooperation.

A plaque commemorating the project was unveiled by Bill Moore, a trustee of the SBFS and son of the original shipyard owner, alongside Astrid Larsen, daughter of renowned Shetland Bus skipper Leif Andreas Larsen. The event also attracted crew members from the former Norwegian fishing boat Haugefisk, whose skipper’s father had been involved in the Shetland Bus operation.

Following the unveiling, attendees paid their respects with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shetland Bus memorial, which included speeches from Stephen Howarth, the son of David Howarth, and SBFS trustee Stephen Leask.

The community celebration continued at the Scalloway Museum, where guests enjoyed refreshments and will partake in a dinner and music event before heading to Lunna, a former base of the Shetland Bus operation. Through this restoration, the Prince Olav slipway not only revitalizes a significant historical site but also strengthens the bonds between the communities of Shetland and Norway, ensuring that the legacy of the Shetland Bus operation is remembered and honored for generations to come.