Shetland Islands Council approves ‘direction of travel’ for tunnels

Shetland Islands Council has approved a ‘direction of travel’ for tunnels (Tuesday 30 June), by adopting the recommendations that will move the Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme to the next stage.

Joint chair of Unst Tunnel Action Group, Alice Mathewson, said:

“The commitment by Shetland Islands Council to pursue a ‘direction of travel’ for tunnels is an important one.

“The development of financially sustainable, low carbon emitting tunnels is essential and will be transformational for our communities.

“We will continue to campaign for tunnels connecting Unst and Yell to Mainland Shetland to be viewed as one route, in order to fully maximise the benefits of subsea travel and fully unlock our islands’ potential.

“These links will not only bridge geographical divides but also enhance the prosperity and wellbeing of Shetland as a whole.

“We hope to be fully engaged by Shetland Islands Council on the next phases of this project, particularly when it comes to more in-depth assessment and refinement of costings, socio-economic impact and timescales for this critical infrastructure.

“It is important that all our islands’ tunnel groups are heard and their views are integrated into this process. All of which will form a blueprint for other island communities in the UK with similar ambitions.”