Network of subsea tunnels planned for Shetland Isles

The Inter-Island Transport Connectivity Programme is looking at building tunnels, ‘fixed links’, between the four islands of Unst, Yell, Whalsay and Bressay.

A Strategic Business Case has been laid out, and money put aside for a feasibility into the idea, which could transform lives in some of the  most remote areas of the UK.

“Tunnels – prevalent in the rural and island communities of neighbouring countries – could supercharge growth in key industries from space to aquaculture, not to mention allowing for a redesign of key public services and more housing,” says one of the documents.

“With an average age of over 32 years, our ferry network lacks the resilience to offer a reliable lifeline, meaning that patients cannot attend hospital appointments when the weather is inclement, those who live alone cannot be reached by visitors.”

The Shetland Islands Council has been looking to the Faroe Islands for ideas on its tunnels, given that life has been transformed in the Denmark-owned archipelago by the building of more than 20 tunnels – including four subsea tunnels.

Spearheaded by the Unst and Yell Tunnel Action Groups (UTAG & YTAG) funds have been raised to begin investigative work and Norwegian consultancy Norconsult has been engaged to take it on.

“Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population,” said council leader Emma Macdonald. “Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands, which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which can reverse decades of depopulation.

“The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear – tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects.  It’s also critical that we continue to invest in a resilient and reliable ferry service to support all our islands.”

Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael said: “We have seen a few false dawns on tunnels for Shetland – now is the time to deliver on their promise. I am glad that the Council is putting investment into this project to move it to the next stage.

“Tunnels have the potential to be transformative for Shetland’s economy and our communities. It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made. I look forward to working with the Council and indeed with the UK and Scottish governments to keep up the momentum.”