Shetland Islands Council is set to approve a transformative project that would replace aging ferry services with a series of undersea tunnels. Estimated at £1.5bn, the infrastructure plan aims to connect Shetland’s mainland with Yell and Unst, with potential future extensions to the islands of Whalsay and Bressay. Officials suggest the tunnel network will be more cost-effective over time than maintaining current vessels and harbor facilities.
Transport chairperson Moraig Lyall noted that the existing ferry system, which handles 750,000 passengers annually at a cost of £23m, is no longer sufficient due to capacity constraints and staffing difficulties. By drawing inspiration from the Faroe Islands’ successful subsea network, the project proponents believe the tunnels will improve economic prospects for local industries, including the Saxavord spaceport and aquaculture businesses. Engineering firm Cowi, which consulted on the plan, estimates that preliminary work and construction could be completed within eight years.
Funding for the massive project is expected to involve a combination of public subsidies, borrowing, and private investment, supplemented by tolls intended to cover ongoing maintenance. While other regions like the Western Isles are also considering similar fixed-link solutions, the Shetland proposal represents a significant move toward long-term infrastructure investment to revitalize island life and support population growth.
