Restored Shetland Bus Slipway Honors Wartime Heroes

A significant historical milestone was marked in Scalloway on March 7, 2024, as the restored Prince Olav slipway was officially opened. This ceremony not only celebrated the restoration of a vital link to the past but also honored the memory of the 44 men who lost their lives during the Shetland Bus operation in World War II. The event drew attention to the slipway’s importance in facilitating covert operations that were crucial to the war effort.

The restoration project, carried out by Malakoff, included a replica boat cradle designed to mirror the original, which was built in 1942. This cradle allowed for essential repairs on Norwegian fishing boats used in the operation. The original design was crafted by Sub Lieutenant David Howarth, with construction conducted by Norwegian shipwrights alongside the engineers of William Moore & Sons in Scalloway. Notably, components for the original cradle were sourced from across Shetland, demonstrating a community effort during its creation.

The revival of the slipway came at a cost of £130,000, funded through generous donations from both local residents and Norwegian supporters. The ceremony took place at the waterfront, accessible via the back of the Malakoff building, where informative display boards provide insights into the slipway and the Shetland Bus operation.

Community Efforts and Historical Significance

A key figure in the slipway’s restoration, Jim Young, trustee of the Shetland Bus Friendship Society (SBFS), spoke at the ceremony. He highlighted the significance of the first boat to use the slipway in the 1940s, which hailed from Øygarden. Young noted the presence of Øygarden’s Mayor, Tom Georg Indrevik, as particularly fitting for the occasion.

Young expressed gratitude for the community’s support, saying, “The restored slipway will remind future generations of a unique moment in the shared wartime history of Shetland and Norway.” He acknowledged the challenges faced during the restoration, particularly delays caused by the Covid pandemic, and emphasized the importance of preserving this piece of history.

The slipway’s project would not have been possible without the efforts of several key individuals, including Børge Haugetun, the former Mayor of Øygarden, and retired engineers George and Raymond Sinclair, whose detailed memories helped guide the restoration.

A Lasting Memorial to Courage and Sacrifice

During the ceremony, Charlie Grant, chairman of the SBFS, described the event as a “special day” that united contributors from both sides of the North Sea. Norwegian donors Aasmund Anderson and Jenny Heggvik also delivered remarks, expressing their appreciation for the project. Heggvik underscored the necessity of continuing to work toward global peace, stating, “We must never give up working for common sense to prevail when conflicts between people are to be resolved.”

A significant moment came with the unveiling of a plaque by SBFS trustee Bill Moore, whose father, Jack, owned William Moore & Sons, and Astrid Larsen, daughter of the renowned Shetland Bus skipper Leif Andreas Larsen. The ceremony also included attendance from the crew of the former Norwegian fishing boat Haugefisk, whose skipper’s father was involved in the Shetland Bus operation.

Following the plaque unveiling, attendees participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shetland Bus memorial nearby, which featured speeches from Stephen Howarth, son of David Howarth, and SBFS trustee Stephen Leask. The community gathered at the Scalloway Museum afterward for refreshments, with plans for dinner and music later in the evening, culminating in a visit to Lunna, a former base for the Shetland Bus operation.

The restoration of the Prince Olav slipway serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those involved in the Shetland Bus missions, ensuring that their legacy will endure for future generations.