Young captains and crews took over two whitefish boats, drawing inspiration from the traditions of their ancestors.

Skipper Ben Irvine, 24, Owen Dougan, 20, Gordon Smith, 23, Louis Polson, 30, and LHD bought the Attentive (LK 308) by John Wishart.

she was renamed Comrades.

Mr Irvine, who got his skipper ticket in 2018, said he and his crew are looking forward to leaving in the New Year.

“We have chosen to rename the boat Comrades, as my grandfather was one of the shareholders of this boat when he arrived, it was originally a Whalsay boat, so it became a full family circle, ”he added.

“We can’t wait to get started in early January, and I just hope the Brexit mess doesn’t get in our way. We have no concerns with the fishery itself.

Meanwhile, skipper Robbie Jamieson, 25, Richard Whelan, 25, James Shearer, 28, Ross Sutherland, 21, Tom Jamieson, 21 and Magnus Polson, 19 bought the Of challenge (LK 371) by Gordon Irvine.

Robbie Jamieson, who also got his skipper ticket in 2018, said he and his crew are looking forward to a new start.

“I was on the Tranquility over the past six years, but it’s good to have the opportunity to come out on our own, ”he said.

“A lot of the older generation fishermen are retiring and it’s really good to see young men taking it on. It will be a fresh start, but we have a lot to learn.

“Me and some of the boys took a few trips with Gordon on the Of challenge just to learn the ropes.

Sheila Keith, policy officer for the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, said it was “a significant generational change in the industry”.

“It’s great to see young skippers and crews evolving like their ancestors did before them,” she added.

“We wish Ben and Robbie, along with their shareholders and crew, the best in fishing at the start of the New Year. ”

The Shetland Fishermen’s Trust supported the two young skippers.

The vessels are now owned respectively by Prevail Fishing Company Ltd and Defiant Fishing (Whalsay) Company Ltd.