Shetland set to back £1.5bn plan to connect islands with undersea tunnels
Summary
The Shetland Islands Council plans to build undersea tunnels connecting several northern islands to replace ferries. The project, costing about £1.5 billion, aims to improve transport, reduce costs, and support the local economy, including industries like spaceport operations and tourism.Key Facts
- The council proposes tunnels linking Shetland’s mainland to Yell, and Yell to Unst, with possible future tunnels to Whalsay and Bressay.
- The project is expected to cost around £1.5 billion.
- Tunnels would replace current ferry services, which serve 750,000 passengers yearly at a cost of £23 million.
- Building tunnels is seen as cheaper and more reliable long-term compared to ferries.
- Funding may include private investment, government money, borrowing, and tolls for maintenance.
- Unst hosts the UK’s only spaceport at Saxavord, and tunnels could help its growth and related industries.
- The Faroe Islands, with a similar tunnel network, inspired the plan and have shown such infrastructure can boost development.
- Current ferry services struggle to meet demand and have staffing difficulties.
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