Shetland Islands Council has approved the next stage of plans for a long-term transport strategy that could see a series of subsea tunnels constructed to improve connectivity between the archipelago’s islands.
Councillors agreed the preferred options for each island route as part of the Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme, marking a significant milestone in developing a 30-year investment plan that combines ferry improvements with future fixed links.
Under the agreed recommendations, the council will take forward proposals for a fixed link between Yell and mainland Shetland, while a second fixed link between Unst and Yell across Bluemull Sound will be progressed alongside continued ferry services for Fetlar using a dedicated vessel operating over extended hours. In the short term, investment in the existing Bluemull Sound ferry service will continue.
For Bressay and Whalsay, councillors endorsed continued investment in ferry services while committing to fixed links as the longer-term solution.
Meanwhile, existing transport arrangements will remain in place for Foula, while improvements to ferry services will be explored for Papa Stour and Skerries.
The council also approved up to £200,000 from existing budgets to progress the programme, including further work on funding and financing options.
A draft Implementation Route Map, due to be presented in September, will outline a phased 30-year delivery programme together with a high-level cost profile.
The strategy comes as Shetland’s inter-island ferry network faces growing operational challenges. Annual operating costs have increased to around £25M for 2024/25, while the fleet has an average age of 32.5 years. The council also highlighted ongoing difficulties recruiting and retaining crews, as well as deck capacity constraints on several key routes.
Council leader Emma Macdonald said the decisions represent a major step towards delivering fixed links for the islands.
“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,” she said.
“Islands with fixed links repopulate, enjoy economic growth and experience a reduction in their average age.
“The most critical consideration now is to continue to look at potential external funding, and our team will report back on that in September, alongside the draft Implementation Route Map.
“We have no ‘do nothing’ options here. 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.”
The council will consider the draft implementation plan later this year as it continues work towards securing government backing and external funding for the ambitious programme.
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