Shetland faces major transport decision as £400m tunnel proposal gains momentum

Shetland Islands Council is approaching a pivotal decision on the future of transport links between its islands, with a long-discussed proposal for a network of undersea tunnels now being seriously considered as an alternative to replacing the area's ageing ferry fleet.

Councillors are expected to vote later this month on future connectivity options after reviewing studies comparing the long-term costs of new ferries against fixed links beneath the seabed.

At the centre of the debate is a proposed tunnel connecting the mainland to the island of Yell. Recent assessments suggest the project could cost more than £400 million and take up to ten years to deliver.

While the price tag is substantial, supporters argue it may prove more cost-effective over the long term than maintaining and replacing ferries that are reaching the end of their operational lives.

The discussion comes amid growing concerns over the condition of Shetland’s inter-island ferry fleet, which is reported to be older than many of the vessels operating elsewhere in Scotland. Local leaders have warned that key transport assets are approaching a point where major investment decisions can no longer be delayed.

The tunnel concept has drawn comparisons with the Faroe Islands, where a network of subsea tunnels has transformed travel between communities and reduced reliance on ferry services.

Andy Sloan, UK Executive Vice President for UK and International at engineering consultancy COWI, which carried out the Fixed Link Model study, believes the proposal has gained significant support among islanders and policymakers.

He said:

“There is momentum – real momentum – here in Shetland, and political interest is astonishing in Edinburgh. This is genuinely doable stuff.”

Sloan suggested the deteriorating condition of the existing ferry fleet has sharpened the focus on alternative solutions.

“What’s crystallised this is the Shetland fleet is older than CalMac’s, and by some margin.

“So it’s either ferries or tunnels, and ferries are not cheap. The crisis point has now really arrived on some of these crossings. The life of some of the ferries is almost exhausted.”

Supporters of the project argue that fixed links could provide more reliable year-round connections, support economic development and help reverse population decline in some island communities. However, critics point to the significant upfront costs and lengthy construction programme that would be required.

Sloan said the key challenge now is for decision-makers to compare the lifetime costs and benefits of both options.

“So [Shetland Islands Council] needs to make decisions, and that involves comparing the cost of tunnels versus that of replacing the ferries over a long, long period of time.

“Doing nothing is not an option, so that’s the bit folk are missing.”

The forthcoming council vote is expected to provide a clearer indication of whether Shetland is prepared to pursue one of the most ambitious transport infrastructure projects ever proposed in Scotland's island communities.