Momentum building for Shetland tunnels says minister

Plans to build a network of undersea tunnels linking Shetland’s islands are gathering momentum, said Scotland’s public finance minister, Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad.

Shetland Island Council (SIC) has already approved funding for modelling work on fixed links, such as tunnels or bridges, to see how they could be delivered and funded.

Council leaders say the tunnels, estimated to cost £1.5 billion to provide links for Yell, Unst, Bressay and Whalsay, would be cheaper in the long run than building new ferries and replacing harbours.

Implementation plan

Later this month, the council will discuss a 30-year implementation plan, which would then give way for the business case process.

Goodlad, speaking to Shetland News, said perceptions were shifting and there was now a “serious conversation’’ happening, including around potential models of finance.

“A couple of years ago if folk had mentioned tunnels in Shetland you would have just been laughed at, it’s just pie in the sky, it will never happen,” Goodlad said.

Serious conversation

“There’s a serious conversation now happening…in terms of looking at different models of finance for this, there’s a serious conversation happening at Westminster because the Unst tunnel is linked to the space industry, which is linked to defence, and the only budget that is increasing is defence at the moment.”

And there is also interest at Holyrood, though “money is very tight”, she added. “There’s an excitement about it, and there’s momentum around it.”

Goodlad took part in Tunnel Vision events in Shetland in the summer with Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael, exploring how the various levers could be used to push the idea forward.

Salmon to market

The salmon farming sector has also voiced its support for the tunnels. Salmon Scotland said fish farming is one of Shetland's largest private sector employers, contributing £91 million a year to the local economy and supporting around 1,000 jobs across the islands, including 390 directly on farms and processing sites.

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott, who is from Shetland, said in June: “Reliable transport links matter every day for staff, suppliers, equipment and getting premium Scottish salmon to market. 

“Stronger connections would support jobs, investment and future growth across Shetland. The tunnels can't come soon enough.”