MARITIME

A £31 million trawler, which is the most expensive vessel of its class to be delivered to Scottish owners, has arrived in Shetland to join the islands’ pelagic fishing fleet.

Built at a Norwegian shipyard, the 262ft Research, which will operate with a crew of 15, is the latest in a long line of Whalsay-based vessels to bear the name.

Skipper Gary Williamson said: “The original boat was bought in the late 1990s and we could not believe even the difference in equipment from her to the next in 2003.

“It is 15 years since the last boat was built and since then everything has gone ballistic. With the touchscreens and the rest of it, I am trying to everything through head.”

As well as Mr Williamson, the Research shareholders are second skipper Richard Williamson, first mate Harry Sandison, Jimmy Sandison, Alec John Polson, Alex Wishart, Michael Williamson and sister Wendy, who have a split share, and Arthur Williamson, who has a three-quarter share. get my

Shetland trawler Research was built in Norway