Tuesday 15 October 2024
 11.3°C   S Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Transport / Transport secretary claims tunnel funding situation could benefit from Scottish independence

SUBSEA tunnels in Shetland could be financed more easily in an independent Scotland, it has been claimed.

Scottish transport secretary Fiona Hyslop also said large infrastructure spend on projects like tunnels would require “innovation”.

She was speaking in the Scottish Parliament after Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart brought up the issue of tunnels recently.

The Lib Dem noted how Shetland’s ageing ferry fleet is a high carbon emitter and asked for the Scottish Government’s position on short subsea tunnels.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop.

She said fixed links like tunnels could help towards the government’s goal of decarbonising transport.

In response, Hyslop said she was “open” to work on ferries and tunnels.

“I think in terms of that big infrastructure spend that would be required, it needs innovation,” she added.

Hyslop also said “I think it needs independence” – to which there were some groans in the chamber.

“If we’re going to do big infrastructure projects like subsea tunnels, having the capability as a state – as Faroe relies on the Danish state to underwrite their tunnels…that actually is a positive argument for changing how we can fund our public services,” she added.

The prospect of tunnels as long-term replacements to some of Shetland Islands Council’s ferries on routes to islands like Yell, Unst and Whalsay has gained momentum in recent years.

Consultants are currently working on a new inter-island transport programme which will consider tunnels as well as ferry replacements.

Meanwhile the Yell and Unst tunnel action groups, formed by the islands’ communities, have been fundraising themselves to undertaken initial surveys for potential tunnels to the North Isles.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

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

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

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.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.