Plans for fixed transport inks in the Shetland Islands have taken a major step forward.

Shetland Islands councillors have decided to approve the recommendations for options to be taken forward to the next stage of the Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme, including subsea tunnels between some of Shetland’s islands, similar to those in the Faroe Islands, most notably between Unst and Yell.

Members also approved up to £200K of funding from existing budgets to progress the project, including further development of funding and financing options.

The draft Implementation Route Map is the next step in the process and will set out a phased 30-year investment programme and high-level cost profile when it is presented to the Council in September.

Shetland’s current inter-island ferry network faces accepted operational problems, including significantly increased operating costs (rising to £25 million for 2024/25), an ageing fleet with an average vessel age of 32.5 years, difficulties in crew attraction and retention, and deck capacity issues on several key routes.

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.

“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.”

(Picture: Ólavur Frederiksen/Faroephoto.com)