Connectivity / Committee to investigate case for fixed links in Scottish island communities
A WESTMINSTER committee has opened an inquiry into the strategic and economic case for fixed links in Scotland’s islands communities.
The Scottish Affairs Committee said transport connectivity is a “major challenge” for Scotland’s islands, with many island communities currently being connected via ferry services.
It notes how fixed links to connect the islands, such as bridges or tunnels, are increasingly being considered as long-term solutions.
The committee also highlighted Shetland’s Island Council’s ongoing investigation into building tunnels to Yell, Unst, Whalsay and Bressay.
It said fixed link infrastructure like this has been a success in the Faroe Islands, “an archipelago 200 miles further into the Atlantic than the Shetland Islands, which has been building undersea tunnels since the 1960s”.
The committee noted how Scotland’s islands have been highlighted as a key region for economic growth, due to their clean energy, tourism and space sectors.
This is particularly evident in Shetland, where Unst for example hosts the SaxaVord Spaceport.
The cross-party committee of MPs could examine the economic case for these fixed link projects and the UK Government’s potential strategic interest in supporting this infrastructure.
Submissions can be made via the committee’s website until 12 December.
Alongside this investigation into physical connectivity, the committee will shortly be launching an inquiry into digital connectivity.
Patricia Ferguson, chair of the Scottish Affairs committee, said: “Current transport links between Scotland’s islands simply don’t seem to be up to scratch.
“Delayed and cancelled ferries cause disruption for entire communities, and undoubtedly also pose huge barriers to the development of island economies.
“Fixed link infrastructure projects like undersea tunnels could be transformational for Scotland’s island communities.
“Throughout this inquiry, we’ll be looking closely at the economic case for these fixed link projects, their value for money and, ultimately, whether there could be a strategic interest for the UK Government to support their development.”
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