Latest news with #ShetlandIslandsCouncil
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Huge plans to build undersea tunnel network in UK hits major milestone
Ambitious proposals to build a huge network of undersea UK tunnels have been discussed for years, but always failed to gain momentum. However, the plan just got one step closer to becoming reality Ambitious plans to create a network of undersea tunnels connecting one of the UK's most isolated regions have taken a 'significant step' forward. Famed for its secluded white beaches, rugged grassy cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the Shetland Islands (commonly referred to as just Shetland) consists of roughly 100 picturesque isles, with only 16 of them being inhabited. Situated some 110 miles from mainland Scotland, and 140 miles west of Norway - the archipelago is the northernmost region of the UK. Despite only having a tiny population of around 23,000 - the archipelago attracts around four times the number of tourists every single year. However, for residents and holidaymakers alike, getting from island to island isn't always easy. At the moment, there appear to be only two airports in Shetland that have scheduled flights (Sumburgh and Lerwick/Tingwall), meaning the most common way to cross the rough waters is via ferry. However, the archipelago could soon be efficiently linked together by a huge network of tunnels. It's an idea that would be life-changing for many locals, and industries such as salmon farming, which has been in the works for years but always failed to gain momentum. However, last month the Shetland Islands Council had a meeting to approve the Network Strategy - Strategic Outline Case (SOC) report, presented by Stantec in partnership with COWI, Mott Macdonald and ProVersa. The report is designed to establish the case for investment in ferries and harbours and, in some cases fixed links, including tunnels. In what has been described as a 'significant step', the council 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. If the early plans go ahead, Shetland could see enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell. "Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population," said Council Leader Emma Macdonald. "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 councillor pointed to the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago that's part of the Kingdom of Denmark, located some 200 miles further out into the Atlantic. Despite its isolated position, the 18 islands are actually connected by 23 tunnels, four of which run below the sea. One of these is a 7.1-mile tunnel which connects the island of Streymoy to two sides of a fjord on the island of Eysturoy, and features the world's only undersea roundabout nicknamed the Jellyfish. "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. 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 welcomed the move, arguing that tunnels have the potential to transform Shetland's economy and communities. "We have seen a few false dawns on tunnels for Shetland – now is the time to deliver on their promise," he said. "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... 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." Details on how much such a project would cost, or how long it would take to construct, have yet to be announced.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Shetland eyes Faroes-style tunnels to replace ageing ferries
The Faroese prime minister says Shetland could boost growth and revitalise island life by following his country in replacing ageing ferries with undersea Islands Council says it is pushing ahead with plans to build tunnels to four outlying isles in the archipelago including Unst, the most northerly place in the UK."I think we have learned in the Faroe Islands that investment in infrastructure is a good investment," Aksel Johannesen told BBC Islands Council says its multi-million pound project is likely to be funded by borrowing money and paying it back through tolls, potentially providing a new transport model for other Scottish islands. Critics say politicians in Scotland have wasted years talking about tunnels while the Faroes, nearly 200 miles further out into the Atlantic, have actually built them."It is frustrating," says Anne Anderson of salmon producer Scottish Sea Farms, which employs nearly 700 people in Scotland, including just under 300 in island chain produces a quarter of all Scottish salmon - the UK's most valuable food export with international sales of £844m in 2024."Ten years ago Scottish salmon used to have 10 per cent of the global market. Nowadays we're slipping ever closer to five per cent," adds Ms Anderson, who blames that slide, in part, on a lack of investment in public infrastructure .She agrees that the UK should look to the Faroes for inspiration."Identify what works well for them and then just copy and paste and let's get moving," urges Ms Anderson. They have been building tunnels in the Faroes since the 18 islands which make up the self-governing nation under the sovereignty of Denmark are connected by 23 tunnels, four of which run below the sea. More are under dramatic is a 7.1 mile (11.4km) tunnel which connects the island of Streymoy to two sides of a fjord on the island of includes the world's only undersea its deepest point it is 187m (614ft) below the waves and has halved the driving time between the capital Tórshavn and the second biggest town, Klaksvik. Speaking in his grass-roofed office looking out over a busy harbour in Tórshavn, Johannesen says tunnels helped to grow the population and the economy of the archipelago, which is home to some 54,000 people, in contrast to Shetland's 23,000."It's about ambition," says tunnel builder Andy Sloan, whose company worked on part of the Faroese tunnel adds the islands have led the world "in connecting an archipelago in the middle of the North Atlantic through blood, sweat and tears – and focus."They have delivered a remarkable piece of infrastructure," says Mr Sloan, who is executive vice-president of engineering firm is now advising Shetland Islands Council on the technicalities and financing of Faroese tunnels were constructed using a technique known as drill and blast – where holes are drilled in rock, explosives are dropped in, and the rubble is then cleared away – which Mr Sloan says could also be used in Scotland."Without doubt, Shetland can copy what has been achieved in these islands," he adds. Prof Erika Anne Hayfield, dean of the Faculty of History and Social Sciences at the University of the Faroe Islands, says the tunnels have delivered significant benefits."People can live and thrive in smaller settlements," while still participating fully in island life and commuting to "the central labour market" in Tórshavn, she explains."In the long term, in terms of demography, social sustainability, a lot of people on islands believe that it is necessary," adds Prof she said the costs of some tunnels had been controversial, with some Faroese arguing that they are being built at the expense of investing in schools and hospitals. Shetland's main town, Lerwick, may be closer to Tórshavn than it is to Edinburgh – and closer to Copenhagen than London – but advocates of tunnels insist the islands are not a remote backwater but an advanced economy constrained by poor archipelago of 100 islands at the confluence of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean boasts the UK's only spaceport and a thriving fishing industry."We land more fish in Shetland than we do in the whole of England, Northern Ireland and Wales," says Macdonald."Tunnels could be incredibly transformational," she adds: "We're really excited about the opportunity."The 20th Century oil and gas boom brought Shetland riches but the islands have since embraced the shift to renewable energy and are home to the UK's most productive onshore wind farm."Shetland's really integral to Scotland and to the wider UK," says Macdonald. The council has authorised a £990,000 feasibility study into building tunnels to four islands – Unst, Yell, Bressay and has not yet published an estimated cost for construction. "Tunnels would really open up this island for businesses," says Elizabeth Johnson, external affairs manager of Saxavord Spaceport on adds that they would "enhance the economic viability of the island".But with neither the Scottish nor UK governments volunteering to pay for Shetland's tunnels, the Faroese funding model of borrowing paid back by tolls looks likely to be adopted."I think people recognise that there is probably a need for tolling and I think people understand that," says adds: "They already have to pay to go on the ferries."At present the council runs ferry services to nine islands, carrying around 750,000 passengers each year on 12 vessels at a cost of £23m per average age of the fleet is 31.5 years, costs have risen sharply in the past decade, and some routes are struggling to meet demand for vehicle and Clyde ferries, off the west of Scotland, run by Scottish government-owned Caledonian MacBrayne, are also ageing and have been beset by problems. Mr Sloan says tunnels could provide more robust transport links for the west coast as well as the Northern Isles."Quite frankly, it can be repeated in Shetland, and not just Shetland, possibly elsewhere in Scotland."Mr Sloan agrees that tolls are the most feasible funding were abolished on the Skye Bridge in 2004 after a long-running campaign of non payment, and were scrapped on the Forth and Tay road bridges in Ms Johnson, of the Saxavord Spaceport, reckons Shetlanders would be happy to pay their way."I don't think anybody that I've spoken to would be against tolls," she says. Although there is no organised opposition to tunnels in Shetland some locals do express concern about whether they would change what it means to be an island. Pat Burns runs the northernmost shop in the British Isles, The Final Checkout on was not convinced about tunnels at first, fearing that they would alter the nature of island life."I like the challenges of trying to get from A to B," she after years of worrying about bad weather interrupting supplies for her shop and seeing tourists turned away because ferries are full, she has changed her mind."I was a wee bit iffy-iffy about it before," she says, "but now I realise that if Unst doesn't get a tunnel, the challenge is going to be too big."
The National
26-06-2025
- 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
26-06-2025
- 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.
STV News
24-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
Concerns raised over lack of random drug and alcohol testing for ferry staff
Concern has been raised over Shetland Islands Council (SIC) not undertaking random drug and alcohol testing of staff in 'safety critical' roles, such as ferries, despite it being part of policy. Chairman of the SIC's audit committee Allison Duncan said he felt introducing testing should be given 'top priority'. It was also his belief that random testing should take place throughout the council – but he said that was a matter for 'another day'. A report to a meeting of the audit committee on Wednesday said ferry management is not currently complying with the SIC's substance misuse policy because it was put on hold during the Covid pandemic and is currently under review at a corporate level. The policy states that staff in safety-critical roles, which includes all crew on board council ferries, will be subject to drug and alcohol testing as part of pre-employment screening and at random points through the course of their work. The report, on a review of compliance with ferry services' safety management system, said discussions with human resources (HR) are ongoing in relation to pre-employment testing. A proposal for random testing arrangements using an external provider has been submitted to HR for consideration and approval. A timescale for implementation was given as August 31, 2025, but Duncan said he felt it should be put in place with immediate effect. However, chief internal auditor Jillian Campbell said the review involves multiple parties, including unions, and is 'not something that can happen overnight'. But she said the SIC management was confident of having things in place by the end of August. Campbell added that the policy not being enforced was not an 'overlook' and added that the equipment effectively had gone out of date during the Covid pandemic. In debate, Duncan said he was 'really concerned' that no random testing is currently taking place on the ferries. The report said failure to implement the policy 'increases the risk that crew and passenger safety is compromised'. 'Thankfully, nothing happened because if there had been any drink or drugs failures, it could have resulted in serious consequences,' Duncan said. He said he brought this issue up 'some years back, but it didn't meet with approval at that time'. 'For me […] random testing should not only be within the ferry service but throughout the whole council, but that's for another day, and I will be following that up,' Duncan added. The review of compliance with ferry services' safety management system did not result in any 'high' priority recommendations for improvement. Three 'medium' ones were raised, and six 'low'. Among the findings were that some training records were incomplete, and that much of the paperwork that forms evidence of compliance with the MCA's requirements is held on the vessel in hard copy only. Chair of the SIC's environment and transport committee, Moraig Lyall, said she was reassured to see that no major failures were reported by internal auditors on a 'safety-sensitive' area like ferries. But she said 'small details really matter' in the ferry service and added that officials need to keep on top of things. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
