The Scottish Government “fully recognises” the potential benefits that fixed links can bring to islands after Shetland councillors took the first step towards tunnels at a meeting last week.

Elected members backed a “direction of travel” towards tunnels for Yell and Unst, similar to those that link the Faroe Islands (pictured) with a long-term commitment for ones to Bressay and Whalsay, but with the four tunnels costing an estimated £1.5 billion, the key question remains over how they could be financed – with potential options mooted as capital grants, borrowing and private finance.

A spokesperson told Shetland News that the Scottish Government “fully recognises the critical role transport plays in supporting our island communities”, the potential positives of fixed links.

“This is clearly demonstrated by our close engagement with island councils,” they added. “Through our new National Islands Plan, we have committed to working with local authorities to explore financing models and promote investment opportunities in fixed links projects within their areas.”

The spokesperson highlighted that building on £10 million provided in 2025/26, a further £3 million of capital funding was awarded to Shetland Islands Council (SIC) this year to support inter island connectivity.

This was reported by Shetland News earlier this year, with SIC chief executive Maggie Sandison saying the government was prepared to commit more funds in upcoming years.

“Decisions on future local government finance settlements will be the subject of negotiations with COSLA and announced as part of the outcome of future Scottish budgets,” the Scottish Government spokesperson added.

(Picture: Picture: Ólavur Frederiksen/Faroephoto.com))