The Unst and Yell Tunnel Action Groups have today announced that they will launch a ‘Time to Tunnel’ campaign tomorrow (Saturday 30 August) at the Unst Show.

The campaign aims to increase public awareness and support for fixed links to Yell and Unst, while also building on the funds already raised locally for the essential technical studies required to move the project forward.

With pre-seismic studies now complete, the Groups are preparing for the crucial next step – procuring the full seismic work that will underpin the technical and financial case for tunnel development. The pre-seismic work was undertaken by Norconsult – the company responsible for the engineering design of all subsea tunnels in the Faroe Islands – in conjunction with Geophysix.

Joint chair of the Unst Tunnel Action Group, Alec Priest said: “The completion of the pre-seismic studies is significant – it demonstrates our communities’ determination to make tunnels a reality and highlights the power of working together to achieve real progress. With the launch of Time to Tunnel, we want to maintain momentum, raise awareness more widely, and build the resources needed for the seismic studies.”

Steven Henderson, joint chair of the Yell Tunnel Action Group, added: “Fixed links are not just about transport – they are about the long-term sustainability of our communities. They will secure jobs, improve healthcare access, reduce costs for businesses, and create opportunities for future generations. Time to Tunnel is about making that vision a reality.”

The campaign launch at the Unst Show will give the community an opportunity to find out more about fixed links, ways to get involved and support the next phase of work.

NOTES

The Unst and Yell Tunnel Action Groups are community-led organisations working to progress fixed links connecting Unst and Yell with mainland Shetland.

Funds raised so far have enabled the completion of draft pre-seismic studies, a vital step before seismic work can begin.

The Unst Show takes place on 30 August 2025.

To contribute to the sub-sea tunnel projects for Unst and Yell, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unst-yell-tunnel-action-groups-fundraiser-1