Shetland Islands Council is set to consider plans for a £1.5 billion infrastructure project that would connect some of the UK's most remote islands via undersea tunnels for the first time, replacing existing ferry services. Councillors will review the proposals on June 30, based on a feasibility study commissioned by the council.
Two-Phase Tunnel Network
The first phase involves building two tunnels linking Shetland Mainland to Yell, and Yell to Unst. A second phase would add tunnels connecting Whalsay and Bressay. The project takes inspiration from the Faroe Islands, which has built an extensive tunnel network including four subsea tunnels and the world's only undersea roundabout.
Cost and Benefits
Despite the £1.5 billion price tag, council leaders argue the tunnels would be cheaper over time than continually replacing ageing ferries and harbour infrastructure. Shetland Islands Council currently operates 12 vessels serving nine islands, with 750,000 passengers annually and operating costs of £23 million per year. Operating costs have risen sharply over the past decade, and some routes struggle with demand for vehicle spaces.
Council transport chairperson Moraig Lyall told the BBC: "The system we have that has served us well for decades is now no longer able to do that. It doesn't have the capacity and we're struggling with other things, like the ability to crew the system adequately. These barriers to giving the islands a really good service are not going to be easily overcome by replacing ferries with other ferries. The tunnel is the answer that we believe will help us solve these problems."
Impact on Unst and Local Businesses
Unst, the UK's most northerly inhabited island, would see significant benefits. It is home to SaxaVord Spaceport and a large aquaculture industry. Permanent road links could improve worker access, help businesses grow, boost tourism, and strengthen the spaceport's competitiveness. Local boatbuilder Brydon Barclay of Fluggaboats on Unst said: "It's absolutely essential. At the moment, we're running with a ferry service that just isn't meeting the demand at all."
Funding and Timeline
If councillors approve the plans, the next stage will explore funding through public funding, private investment, borrowing, and tolls for future maintenance. Engineering firm Cowi, which helped prepare the study, estimates three years of planning followed by five years of construction. The first tunnels could open within eight years if approvals and funding are secured.
