Tunnel vision

I’m pleased to see Allan Wishart recognises the importance of fixed (road tunnel) links to the island communities (Fanatical opposition; SN 10/08/14).

Road tunnels are believed to, largely, pay for themselves from savings on ferry services and as such, should be funded by government. Such projects would very likely attract grant assistance from the EU.

Given the cost savings, business advantages and obvious enhancement of island life, this could have been negotiated, had they had the gumption, by Our Islands, Our Future, instead of submarine cables which may well never come to pass and which they haven’t even the face to claim the credit for.

Now we are told the submarine cables and Viking Energy will bring the road tunnels!

SCT could investigate the feasibility of such investments now, however, they have a different kind of ‘tunnel vision’ – one in which wind turbines are filling a pot of gold at the end of a rapidly receding rainbow.

John Tulloch
Lyndon
Arrochar