A £1.5 billion plan to replace ageing ferries with tunnels linking islands across Shetland has taken another step forward.
The local authority has backed the project and is now looking at funding options for the work, including road tolls and charges on utilities to carry cables. It hopes the first tunnel could be in operation in the mid 2030s.
A fixed link between Unst and Yell as well as Yell and the Shetland mainland is now being worked on as part of a phased 30-year investment programme. They could be followed by further tunnels to Bressay, east of Lerwick, and to Whalsay, further up the east coast of Mainland.
In the meantime, the council agreed to replace its ageing ferries, which have been described as the “social and economic backbone” of the islands. The fleet of 12 vessels sail about 70,000 times a year to nine islands, carrying approximately 750,000 passengers.
Council officials believe tunnels can transform the economy and would be cheaper in the long term than replacing ferries and harbours.
Shetland is being inspired by the Faroe Islands where a network of tunnels have reduced travel times and improved links to communities.
Emma Macdonald, the Shetland council leader, said: “We have made our position clear today and, with the support of the Scottish and UK governments, we could be driving through tunnels in Shetland in as little as eight years from now.
“Islands with fixed links repopulate, enjoy economic growth and experience a reduction in their average age.”
LibDem MP for Orkney & Shetland Alistair Carmichael said: “The development of tunnels in the Faroe Islands has brought about transformational change, reversed population decline and slashed travel times. Tunnels for Shetland will boost regional development and help rejuvenate our economy.
“When Beatrice Wishart and I first started the Tunnel Vision community events to build a consensus around tunnels for the isles, days like this seemed a long way off.
“Now after five years of campaigning the consensus for tunnels between our islands is stronger than ever. I want to thank the council for their work pushing ahead with feasibility studies and for their vote today.
“Now Scottish ministers need to move heaven and earth to deliver tunnels for Shetland. We can no longer afford to be at the back of the queue where infrastructure is concerned.”
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