Shetland inter-island tunnels 'within eight years' under new strategy
Four new links could cost £1.5 billion
Tunnels to replace ferries between several islands in Shetland have been approved by councillors in a new draft transport strategy, with the project possibly being completed within eight years.
A meeting of the full council on Tuesday backed a fixed link between Mainland and Yell along with another between Yell and the most northerly main island of Unst.
They could be followed by further tunnels to Bressay, east of Lerwick, and to Whalsay, further up the east coast of Mainland, at a total cost for the four of some £1.5 billion.
Under the newly agreed inter-island transport connectivity programme, the first, four-mile tunnel to Yell could be completed in eight years and cost £402m. The island has a population of 960.
A Yell-Unst tunnel could cost £345m, with a further £255m for a Bressay tunnel and £486.5m for one to Whalsay.
Tolls would be the same as the ferry fares, currently £16.50 return for drivers on the four routes.
But the council also agreed in the meantime to more spending on replacing 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.
Speaking after the meeting, council leader Emma Macdonald 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.
“The most critical consideration now is to continue to look at potential external funding and our team will report back on that in September, alongside the draft implementation route map.”
On ferries funding, Ms Macdonald said: “We have no ‘do nothing’ options here.
“Ferries and tunnels are both needed to unlock the potential of Shetland, and both the Scottish and UK governments have a vested interest in helping that happen.”
Shetland SNP MSP Hannah Mary, who is also public finance minister, said this month that tunnels were now “more tangible” following a “sea change” in their prospects over the last two years.
Speaking as the constituency MSP on Tuesday: “I very much welcome that the Scottish Government is supporting the council in exploring the necessary funding options to help this work to progress.
“I met with colleagues from the council when they were in Parliament earlier this month, and have been clear that I want to do all I can to help in my capacity as Shetland’s MSP.
“Given Shetland’s vital strategic position in the north Atlantic, and our multiple growing industries across our islands, I’m really pleased to see councillors vote today on moving forward with the recommendations.
“It’s also important to recognise the tireless efforts of local tunnel campaigners, and all others involved in pushing this ambition forwards.
“Shetland has an important leadership role to play in a North Atlantic context and critical, generational infrastructure will enable us to meet our potential.”
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