Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.6°C   ESE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Fixed links could become national policy

Scottish transport and islands minister Humza Yousaf is open to working out how policy around fixed links is developed in Scotland, according to Shetland's transport bosses. Photo: Hans J Marter/ShetNews

THE IDEA of building tunnels from the Shetland mainland to the islands has taken a “huge step forward” after Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf agreed to look into integrating fixed links into national policy.

SIC transport manager Michael Craigie said the commitment, which was given at the latest meeting of the Islands Transport Forum in Edinburgh on Thursday, was a “direct consequence” of recent public consultation into the inter-island ferry service in Shetland which showed a demand for fixed links.

Speaking after a ZetTrans meeting in Lerwick on Friday, Craigie said that merging fixed links into national policy moves the concept of building tunnels or bridges in Shetland to the “next level”.

An annual report presented at the meeting said the island communities of Bressay, Yell, Unst and Whalsay believe fixed links are “key to a more robust and sustainable future”.

This is because of “serious concerns” over the future of ferry services in an era of reduced public sector funding, as well as the financial cost of using the service.

It is now proposed that fixed links could be added into Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, which is currently being reviewed, or developed through the establishment of a focused working group.

“We have to get this into a policy area, otherwise fixed links are only ever about individual transport studies, or an option against a ferry service or air service,” Craigie said.

“It’s always been an option, rather than something that is part of a policy position.”

While expensive to build, fixed links in Shetland would strip away the cost of running inter-island ferries and the price of replacing ageing vessels.

In 1997, Shetland Islands Council embarked on plans to build a £23 million bridge between Lerwick and Bressay, but the ill-fated project fell through after a costly legal wrangle with Lerwick Port Authority.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Developing tunnels to outlying islands could also provide a huge boon for the aquaculture industry, with transport routes easier to navigate, while it would also increase social opportunities in the isles.

The island community of Whalsay has regularly spoken in favour of a fixed link, with its community council chairman David Hughson saying in April that building a tunnel would have been a logical step if plans for a new fish processing plant had come to fruition.

Transport body ZetTrans will now engage with the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to help progress national policy on fixed links, but it is unclear exactly how things will be taken forward.

It is believed that no fixed links could be built in Shetland without support from the government.

“Humza Yousaf has been supportive of bringing it onto the agenda and doing what needs to be done to develop policy around this,” Craigie said.

ZetTrans chairman Michael Stout added that the new transport minister understands “this is something that needs big picture thinking applied to it.”

“Over the years fixed links have almost been done on an ad-hoc basis,” he said.

“I think the point here is that in order to take things to the next level then it needs to sit within a national and policy framework.

“There’s been a lot of misconceptions and complications through the whole process, but where we’re at right now is putting together a demonstrable and evidence based case around this big picture thinking.”

Craigie said during Friday’s ZetTrans meeting that inspiration could be taken from countries in Europe and Scandinavia which have successfully implemented fixed links.

One question which came from a recent Shetland Islands Council fact-finding visit to Faroe was whether the isles could follow their lead when it came building subsea tunnels.

However, Billy Fox stressed that while fixed links are something “we will naturally evolve to, we need to emphasise that this is for the very long term”.

The councillor said it could be a matter of “40 or 50 years” before Shetland sees tunnels, although Davie Sandison added it would be beneficial to have a rough timeframe to work to.

Shetland News contacted the Scottish Government for response but did not receive a response in time for publication.

 

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.