THE Scottish Government has suggested building a 17-mile tunnel linking the Western Isles and mainland Scotland.
A dual carriageway-width subsea link could be constructed between Benbecula and Skye, making the islands accessible by car.
According to experts the project could cost some £450 million. It comes after Boris Johnson’s government proposed a bridge or tunnel between Scotland and Northern Ireland, but experts have questioned whether this will be possible due to high winds and dumped munitions.
READ MORE: PMQs: SDLP leader rips up Boris Johnson's 'fantasy' plan for bridge across Irish Sea
The shortest distance between Scotland and the Western isles is Rarnish on Benbecula to Neist Point on Skye. These areas have been flagged up as having the potential for a tunnel.
On Wednesday night, members of Western Isles Council had discussions about the tunnel and agreed to explore it further.
The area’s MP, Angus MacNeil, has previously put forward the idea of tunnels linking the islands together.
MacNeil has been inspired by the tunnels in Norway and the Faroes, and had talks with consultants involved in their design back in 2019.
They suggested a tunnel connecting Harris and Skye would be the best course of action, perhaps with another link between Harris and North Uist.
Using tunnels, rather than relying on ferries, would improve transport and make savings, he said.
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