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# Cooke Funds Restoration of Historic Shetland Slipway
- URL: https://cibocom.ghost.io/cooke-funds-restoration-of-historic-shetland-slipway/
- Published: 2022-03-31T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T15:06:42.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: Cooke Scotland, fish

Cooke Aquaculture Scotland has jointly financed a project to construct a replica of the historically significant Prince Olav slipway from the war era in Scalloway, Shetland. The original boat cradle, built in 1942, was used to keep boats upright on dry land for repair purposes. It was utilized for fishing vessels that were part of the secret operation aiding the Norwegian resistance, also known as the Shetland Bus. Situated a short distance from the Shetland Bus memorial on Scalloway’s Main Street, the recreated slipway will serve as a key tourist attraction on the island and will enhance Shetland’s relationship with Norway. As part of our dedication to the coastal and rural communities where we reside and operate, Cooke contributed £5,000 to the project, which is spearheaded by the Shetland Bus Friendship Society. Charlie Grant, the group's spokesperson, elaborated on how Cooke’s financial support will be advantageous. He expressed gratitude to Cooke Aquaculture Scotland on behalf of the Shetland Bus Friendship Society for their contribution towards the replica slipway. He noted that the combined donations from the Shetland Fishing industry and Shetland Aquaculture industry constitute over 20% of the total restoration cost. He added that the project will once again unite Norway and Shetland in a shared cause, commemorating the joint operation conducted by the Norwegian Free Forces and British Forces to aid the resistance in Norway during World War II, an event forever known as the Shetland Bus. The new replica cradle is being built by local company Malakoff, which owns and runs the shipyard at the slipway. The steel fabrication of the slipway was finished earlier this year, and the new cradle is now partially installed. Colin Blair, Managing Director of Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, stated that this is a crucial aspect of Shetland’s history and heritage, and maintaining strong ties with Norway is deeply significant to the local community. He emphasized that this historical episode demonstrated how two communities supported each other in times of crisis and how Shetland provided a safe haven. Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is honored to back the restoration of the original boat cradle, as it is important to remember the courageous men who risked their lives crossing the turbulent seas during the war. For more information on the Cooke Community Benefit Fund, please visit our Community Page.