Transport / Whalsay Community Council says ferry status quo is a ‘ticking time bomb’
In response chair of the SIC’s environment and transport committee Moraig Lyall says work is underway on a new relief vessel project plus a review of the inter-island network
WHALSAY Community Council has called for “no more sticking plaster solutions” for inter-island ferries – saying the status quo is a “ticking time bomb”.
In a letter it has also pressed Shetland Islands Council (SIC) for a “clear, urgent plan for interim ferry replacements and a long-term fleet strategy that puts our islands’ needs first”.
It comes as the Whalsay service is set to go to a single vessel for nearly two weeks in March as there is not cover for the Hendra going into dry dock. However, the SIC said it does hope to be able to add in additional runs using the Filla.
It also comes on top of other issues in years gone by, including with the Hendra which is more than 40 years old.
Chair of the SIC’s environment and transport committee Moraig Lyall said she hears the frustration in Whalsay Community Council’s letter and understands the “importance of a reliable ferry service for the island to be able to flourish”.
She highlighted how work is underway on adding an extra ferry to the SIC fleet to add resilience, and that a wider review of inter-island connectivity in Shetland will report back later this year with optimum solutions for each route in the network.
Whalsay Community Council’s letter opened by saying “enough is enough” and added that “our islands are being held hostage by a creaking ferry system that’s on its last legs”.
“Dry dock schedules and ageing vessels are crippling our community, threatening livelihoods, connectivity, and the very fabric of our island way of life,” it added.
“Every delayed ferry, every cancelled trip, and every unreliable timetable is a stark reminder that we’re stuck in a transport nightmare.”
But the community council was clear to not place any blame own those working on the ferries.
“Before anyone misunderstands, let’s give massive credit to our ferry workers – the unsung heroes keeping our islands connected despite the odds,” the letter said.
“Their hard work and dedication deserve praise, but even their best efforts can’t compensate for a system that’s failing.”
The community council said the prospect of a tunnel between the Shetland mainland and Whalsay is a “chance to transform our connectivity and unlock our islands’ potential”.
“But it’s no secret that the tunnel’s success hinges on a reliable interim transport solution,” the letter continued.
“Where are the replacement ferries? The proposed spare vessel’s suitability is a mystery, and that’s a risk we can’t take. Our commuters, key workers, and businesses deserve better.
“Lifeline services are being strangled by inadequate transport. Students struggle to get to college, workers can’t get to jobs, and essential supplies are delayed – all because our ferry system is failing us.”
Councillor Lyall, who represents the Shetland Central ward, said she recognises the importance of a reliable ferry service.
She said that “much of what is being sought is underway”.
Lyall pointed to how pre-construction work is continuing on acquiring a new relief vessel.
The SIC intends to use a £10 million capital grant from the Scottish Government for inter-island connectivity towards the cost, and there has been a hope that it could be in service in 2027 subject to the necessary go-ahead from councillors.
Lyall said this new ferry is being designed to be able to operate across the ferry network, “and so maximise its ability to improve our resilience”.
“This piece of work is expected to report to the council later this year after which construction will begin in the hope that it will enter service as soon as possible,” she added.
Lyall added that the SIC’s inter-island transport connectivity plan is approaching completion and is due before the council in June. This is a significant piece of work that is exploring the idea of tunnels for Yell, Unst, Whalsay and Bressay as well as ferry replacements.
Lyall said the report due later this year will highlight the “optimum solution for each route in the network – ferry or tunnel – and give us the evidence to move to the next phase, beginning the project which has been shown to be the top priority”.
“Ongoing work with the Scottish Government, and additional capital money they have proposed in their budget, will enable us to move directly into that next phase of the work,” she continued.
“Do I wish all this would happen much more quickly? Of course – but short cutting the required process will not lead to the outcome we desire.
“In the meantime, changes to crew working patterns have assisted in reducing the disruptions due to crewing issues assisting with recruitment and retention of staff.”
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