Latest news with #EmmaMacdonald
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Huge £500million underground tunnels set to connect four UK islands & ‘reverse decades of depopulation'
Councillors to fund study to establish viability of a tunnel system DIGGING DEEP Huge £500million underground tunnels set to connect four UK islands & 'reverse decades of depopulation' PLANS for a £500million underground tunnel service connecting four UK Islands have been taken to the next level. This comes after Shetland councillors agreed to take forward proposals for the construction of tunnels between islands in a move described as 'a significant step.' Advertisement 6 Plans for an underground tunnel service have been taken to the next level Credit: Getty 6 Council leader hopes this will reverse depopulation Credit: Getty 6 Councillors have agreed to fund further research into the viability of a tunnel system Credit: Getty According to The National, a report on the future of Shetland's inter-island transport was presented to councillors for the first time on Wednesday. The report recommended enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell. In the wake of the report, councillors have now agreed to fund a study to establish the commercial and financial viability of a tunnel system. Future steps to move the project forward were also discussed. Advertisement The options presented in the report don't come with any cost estimates, with the council emphasising the funding is uncertain. Earlier this year, The Scotsman reported that the tunnels are expected to cost more than £500million Council Leader Emma Macdonald told The National: "Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. 'Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which reverse decades of depopulation.' She added: 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects.' Advertisement Such tunnels are common in the Faroe Islands and Norway. Ms Macdonald also insisted that they must continue to invest in a reliable ferry service as well. Councillors hope these plans will put a halt to depopulation In reference to Wednesday's meeting Ms Macdonald said: 'This represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.' One of the world's deepest bars to open in London Isles MP Alistair Carmichael expressed his excitement for this project, saying it is now time to deliver on this long-anticipated promise. Advertisement The MP described the tunnels as having the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy. Mr Carmichael added: 'It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made.' He concluded that he is excited to keep up the momentum as he anticipates further talks with UK and Scottish governments. The report was published by a team of consultants appointed by Shetland Islands Council. A team of engineering consultancies COWI, Stantec and Mott Macdonald have been collaborating on the study, and exploring how transport links between islands could be improved over the next 30 years. Advertisement The National also reported that Wednesday saw the discontinuation of any possibility of a Feltar tunnel for the time being. 6 The report was presented on Wednesday Credit: Getty 6 MP Alistair Carmichael, anticipates further talks with the UK and Scottish government Credit: Getty 6 According to the Scotsman, these plans could cost more than £500million Credit: NQ
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Huge £500million underground tunnels set to connect four UK islands & ‘reverse decades of depopulation'
PLANS for a £500million underground tunnel service connecting four UK Islands have been taken to the next level. This comes after Shetland councillors agreed to take forward proposals for the construction of tunnels between islands in a move described as 'a significant step.' 6 6 6 According to The National, a report on the future of Shetland's inter-island transport was presented to councillors for the first time on Wednesday. The report recommended enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell. In the wake of the report, councillors have now agreed to fund a study to establish the commercial and financial viability of a tunnel system. Future steps to move the project forward were also discussed. The options presented in the report don't come with any cost estimates, with the council emphasising the funding is uncertain. Earlier this year, The Scotsman reported that the tunnels are expected to cost more than £500million Council Leader Emma Macdonald told The National: "Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. 'Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which reverse decades of depopulation.' She added: 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects.' Such tunnels are common in the Faroe Islands and Norway. Ms Macdonald also insisted that they must continue to invest in a reliable ferry service as well. Councillors hope these plans will put a halt to depopulation In reference to Wednesday's meeting Ms Macdonald said: 'This represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.' One of the world's deepest bars to open in London Isles MP Alistair Carmichael expressed his excitement for this project, saying it is now time to deliver on this long-anticipated promise. The MP described the tunnels as having the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy. Mr Carmichael added: 'It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made.' He concluded that he is excited to keep up the momentum as he anticipates further talks with UK and Scottish governments. The report was published by a team of consultants appointed by Shetland Islands Council. A team of engineering consultancies COWI, Stantec and Mott Macdonald have been collaborating on the study, and exploring how transport links between islands could be improved over the next 30 years. The National also reported that Wednesday saw the discontinuation of any possibility of a Feltar tunnel for the time being. 6 6 6
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Major update on plans for TUNNEL between Scottish islands revealed
A report also called for more to be done to enhance ferry services LINKING UP Major update on plans for TUNNEL between Scottish islands revealed COUNCIL leaders have issued a major update on plans for tunnels being constructed between Scottish islands. The tunnels would permanently link four of the furthest away islands, meaning locals and tourists wouldn't need to rely on ferries. Advertisement 3 The tunnels would run underground and link four of the Shetland islands 3 This includes Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell Credit: Getty They would be constructed underground and would connect four of the Shetland Isles. These include the islands of Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell, which sit around 105 miles off the northeast of the mainland in he heart of the North Sea. According to The Herald, a study is now being prepared for officials to consider and will outline the plans in detail. A new strategy report is also set to make the case for increased investment in different travel facilities between the islands. Advertisement This will include the harbours and ferries as well as the proposed plans for the underground tunnels. Shetland Islands Council met this week to discuss a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) report and agreed to approve it. Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population Councillor Emma Macdonald They also agreed to fund a study that would further examine the capabilities of the fixed links, both commercially and financially. This is expected to help councillors consider the future steps that may be required to help the plans move forward. Advertisement The report also called for more to be done to enhance ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries. Councillors have said that this is a "significant" step forward and said the tunnels would be a way to 'future-proof' their communities that are suffering from dwindling population. Inside eerie hidden tunnels beneath busy street in Glasgow city centre Council Leader, Councillor Emma Macdonald, told The Herald: 'Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. 'Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which can reverse decades of depopulation. Advertisement 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects.' Tunnels have the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy and our communities... I am glad that progress is being made Isles MP Alistair Carmichael She added: 'It's also critical that we continue to invest in a resilient and reliable ferry service to support all our islands. 'The council has today approved this latest recommendation, and as a result, this represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.' Isles MP Alistair Carmichael also said that the tunnels could transform Shetland's economy and said "now is the time to deliver". Advertisement He continued: 'We have seen a few false dawns on tunnels for Shetland – now is the time to deliver on their promise. "I am glad that the Council is putting investment into this project to move it to the next stage. 'The Stantec report made it clear that the choice is between either investing further in the ferry service or in fixed links. Advertisement "That means that tunnels can no longer be dismissed as the 'high cost' option relative to ferries, which is good news as we go into the next stage of development. 'Tunnels have the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy and our communities. "It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made. "I look forward to working with the Council and indeed with the UK and Scottish governments to keep up the momentum.' Advertisement
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Shetland tunnel plans advance to next stage with key study
A report on Shetland's future inter-island transport, presented to councillors first time on Wednesday, recommended enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell. Any possibility of a Fetlar tunnel has been discounted for now due to concerns over affordability and value for money. The options presented in the report do not come with any cost estimates, with the council stressing that funding is uncertain. Private finance is understood to be considered a possible avenue. READ MORE: Will the BBC televise Kneecap's Glastonbury performance? How to watch A team of consultants appointed by Shetland Islands Council which has been exploring how transport links between the islands could be improved over the next 30 years published the report. Engineering consultancies COWI, Stantec and Mott MacDonald have been collaborating on the study weighing up the merits of improved ferry links and fixed link options such as bridges or subsea tunnels. Councillors have now agreed to fund a study to establish the commercial and financial viability of tunnels and the future steps required to move the project forward. Council leader councillor Emma Macdonald said: 'Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which can reverse decades of depopulation. 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects. It's also critical that we continue to invest in a resilient and reliable ferry service to support all our islands. 'The council has today approved this latest recommendation, and as a result this represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.' READ MORE: Scottish council leader quits Tories after 45 years with hint to join Reform UK Isles MP Alistair Carmichael: 'We have seen a few false dawns on tunnels for Shetland – now is the time to deliver on their promise. I am glad that the council is putting investment into this project to move it to the next stage. 'The Stantec report made it clear that the choice is between either investing further in the ferry service or in fixed links. That means that tunnels can no longer be dismissed as the 'high cost' option relative to ferries, which is good news as we go into the next stage of development. 'Tunnels have the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy and our communities. It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made. I look forward to working with the council and indeed with the UK and Scottish governments to keep up the momentum.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
'Significant' step taken towards tunnels between Shetland Isles
Councillors on the islands say that tunnels could be a way to 'future-proof' their communities and reverse population drain. Four islands - Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell - would be linked by the tunnels. The plan will now be studied in detail through a new strategy report which will establish the case for investment in travel facilities between the islands such as harbours, ferries and fixed links including tunnels. A meeting of Shetland Islands Council this week approved the Network Strategy - Strategic Outline Case (SOC) report, presented by Stantec in partnership with COWI, Mott Macdonald and ProVersa. Unst would be one of the places connected by the tunnels (Image: NQ) Councillors also agreed to fund a study to establish the commercial and financial viability of fixed links and the future steps required to move the project forward. The SOC has established the case for enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to the four islands. Council Leader, Councillor Emma Macdonald: 'Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. 'Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which can reverse decades of depopulation. 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects.' She added: 'It's also critical that we continue to invest in a resilient and reliable ferry service to support all our islands. He said: 'We have seen a few false dawns on tunnels for Shetland – now is the time to deliver on their promise. I am glad that the Council is putting investment into this project to move it to the next stage. 'The Stantec report made it clear that the choice is between either investing further in the ferry service or in fixed links. That means that tunnels can no longer be dismissed as the 'high cost' option relative to ferries, which is good news as we go into the next stage of development.
