Could undersea tunnels replace ferries to connect Shetland Islands?

Transformational plans to build undersea tunnels to better connect the Shetland Islands have taken a step forward.

On Wednesday, plans to build the tunnels and replace ferries were given a boost after funding was announced to start pre-construction work.

The Scottish Government has pledged £23m to progress the project over the next three years.

Shetland Islands Council agreed to progress plans for a tunnel between the mainland and the island of Yell, and another to the northern island of Unst.

Two more tunnels could potentially connect the islands of Whalsay and Bressay.

The total cost for the four tunnels, which would replace inter-island ferries, has been estimated at around £1.5bn.

It’s thought the Yell tunnel could be open by 2034 if funding is found, but locals told STV News they are confident the project will go ahead.

One person said the tunnels could be the biggest thing for Shetland since the oil boom in the 1970s.

Shetland’s ferry service has been described as “the social and economic backbone” of the islands, with a fleet of 12 vessels sailing about 70,000 times a year to nine islands, carrying approximately 750,000 passengers.

However, fears over the ageing ferry fleet has led councillors to seek alternatives to keep islanders connected.

Locals say they rely on helicopters in medical emergencies and lose money when they can’t move goods due to cancelled ferries.

In the Faroes, the first island-connecting tunnel was built in the 1960s. Travel times have been cut by over 75% in the last decade thanks to the network.

It may take time, but Shetlanders are determined that these tunnels will be dug and the islands permanently connected.

Stephen Flynn, transport secretary, said: “We realise the full scale of the cost, but we measure that cost against the alternative, which is the continuous use of the small vessels in Orkney and Shetland and the Western Isles.

“Looking at that picture in the round is what we want to do in partnership with the local authority to determine the route of travel. If that says tunnels are affordable and deliverable, then we’re keen to explore that with them.”