Shetland Councillors Back Tunnel Plans in Major Transport Connectivity Decision

Plans to improve transport links between Shetland’s islands have taken a major step forward after councillors approved recommendations for the next stage of the Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme, including proposals for subsea tunnels.

At a meeting today, Shetland Islands Council agreed a series of preferred options for several island routes. The decisions include a fixed link between Unst and Yell across Bluemull Sound, supported by a dedicated vessel for Fetlar operating over an extended day. Councillors also noted that investment in the existing Bluemull Sound ferry service will be required in the short term.

For Yell, members backed a fixed link as the preferred long-term solution.

On other routes, councillors agreed to continue investing in ferry services for Bressay and Whalsay while maintaining a longer-term commitment to developing fixed links. For Foula, the agreed approach was to maintain existing arrangements, while Papa Stour and Skerries were both designated under a “Ferry Do Something” option, signalling further work to improve services.

Members also approved up to £200,000 from existing budgets to advance the project, including further development of funding and financing options.

The next stage will see the preparation of a draft Implementation Route Map, which is due to be presented to councillors in September. The document will outline a phased 30-year investment programme and provide a high-level cost profile.

The council noted that Shetland’s inter-island ferry network faces a number of challenges, including rising operating costs expected to reach £25 million in 2024/25, an ageing fleet with an average vessel age of 32.5 years, recruitment and retention difficulties for crews, and capacity pressures on several key routes.

The decisions mark a significant milestone and could pave the way for tunnel construction within the next decade if support is secured from the Scottish and UK governments.

Council Leader Emma Macdonald said:

“We have made our position clear today, and with the support of the Scottish and UK Governments we could be driving through tunnels in Shetland in as little as eight years from now,”

Macdonald added that islands connected by fixed links typically experience population growth, economic development and a younger average age.

She stressed that securing external funding is now a key priority, with further details expected when the project team reports back in September.

“We have no ‘do nothing’ options here,” she said. “Ferries and tunnels are both needed to unlock the potential of Shetland, and both the Scottish and UK Governments have a vested interest in helping that happen.”