Shetland Islands Council is expected to approve plans for a system of undersea tunnels connecting the islands, with a total estimated cost of around £1.5 billion. The draft strategy, to be discussed on Tuesday, proposes tunnels between Mainland Shetland and the islands of Yell and Unst, with potential extensions to Whalsay and Bressay.
Proposed Tunnel Network
The inter-island transport connectivity programme includes four tunnels that would replace the current ferry service. The first two tunnels would link the mainland to Yell and then to Unst in the north. Two additional tunnels could connect Whalsay and Bressay. The council has published an indicative timeline suggesting the tunnels would open in 2034.
Ferry Service Concerns
Shetland's ferry service, described as the “social and economic backbone” of the islands, operates a fleet of 12 vessels making about 70,000 trips annually to nine islands, carrying approximately 750,000 passengers. However, concerns have been raised about the age of the ferry fleet, prompting the need for a long-term solution.
Political and Financial Support
Councillor Moraig Lyall, chairwoman of the council’s environment and transport committee, highlighted the national significance of the project. She said: “It’s fair to say that this project is now of great significance nationally, as well as locally. Tunnels were on the list of priorities for all the main political parties in the run-up to the Holyrood elections, evidence of the great strides we have made in getting this issue onto the agenda at a national level.” The council continues to engage with both the UK and Scottish Governments to advance the recommendations of the study.
