PLANS for four tunnels to connect a number of the Shetland islands are now at an “advanced stage”, the islands’ council has said.
The Shetland Island Council has secured a meeting with Scottish Secretary Alister Jack (below) to discuss inter-island connectivity while talks are also ongoing with the Scottish Government.
Shetland’s inter-island ferry service has been described as “the social and economic backbone” of the islands, with a fleet of 12 vessels sailing around 70,000 times a year to nine islands, carrying around 750,000 passengers.
However, the council raised concerns that much of the fleet is 30 years old, about six years older than the average Caledonian MacBrayne vessel.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf confirms SNP will meet to discuss Fergus Ewing's future
A number of the vessels are operating beyond their intended life span, and are a major contributor to the islands’ carbon emissions.
The council said the Shetland Short Crossings Project is at an advanced stage.
The project envisages four tunnels: From the Mainland to Yell; Yell to Unst; Mainland to Whalsay; and Mainland to Bressay.
Talks are ongoing with the UK Government to assist with the tunnels to the north isles which would connect Mainland with the SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with the Scottish Government to assist with the tunnels on the east side of the isles.
The council’s political leader, councillor Emma Macdonald, said: “The importance of the inter-island transport network to life in Shetland cannot be overestimated.
“It is the very definition of a lifeline service, and is the social and economic backbone of the islands.
“However, there are a handful of vessels which are already operating past their intended lifespan.
“If they are not replaced now, either by tunnels or new ferries, there is a material risk to lifeline services to Shetland’s islands.”
She added: “We understand that any project to replace aging ferries with new vessels, or with tunnels, cannot be expected to be solely the responsibility of central government.
“Just as our islands’ incredible energy resources should be a shared benefit between Shetland, Scotland and the UK, the transportation between those islands should be a shared cost.”
The councillor said the Shetland Islands Council is committed to spending up to £700,000 on the project, and called upon the Scottish and UK Governments to “make clear the level of their commitment to our partnership”.
READ MORE: Katy Loudon pledges to bring in bill to end two-child benefits cap
She said she is pleased that Jack has agreed to meet with her regarding the project, and has also written to First Minister Humza Yousaf.
She added: “Our discussions continue with the Scottish Government and I look forward to hearing from them in due course.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel