Yell and Unst community councils welcome tunnel decision
SaxaVord Spaceport, the aquaculture industry and local politicians have also hailed Shetland Islands Council taking its first steps towards tunnels
THE YELL and Unst community council chairs – as well as politicians, SaxaVord Spaceport and the aquaculture industry – have welcomed progress in ambitions for tunnels to the North Isles.
Annette Jamieson said Yell Community Council was “delighted” that Shetland’s elected members took their first step towards fixed links at a meeting yesterday (Tuesday).
Meanwhile Unst Community Council chair Caroline Hunter said a tunnel could “transform” Shetland’s most northerly island.
But both said there needs to be a reliable and resilient ferry service in the meantime before any tunnels arrive.
SaxaVord Spaceport, which is viewed as bolstering the case for fixed links in the North Isles, also welcomed Tuesday’s decision, saying tunnels are a “critical requirement”.
Shetland’s two political representatives in parliament in Edinburgh and London have also supported Shetland Islands Council’s (SIC) decision.
That decision involved picking options for eight ferry routes, which will then go in a 30-year implementation route map to come before councillors in September.
From then, the business case process for individual projects could get underway – with the need for external funding a key focus.
Jamieson said Yell Community Council welcomed the news, adding that members look forward to seeing the route map later this year.
“Fixed links could provide a resilience and reliability to sustain our communities into the future,” she said.
“Tunnels are a long way off and until then we need a reliable, robust ferry service.”
A separate project had also been undertaken by the SIC to look at a possible Yell Sound tunnel in more detail, with consultants also engaging with contractors and possible financiers.
Hunter meanwhile said Unst Community Council sees the decision as a “major step forward”.
“We hope to see strong investment in the existing ferry service, which is currently not able to provide the lifeline service that is required for our community,” she added.
“Reliable, resilient and fit for purpose ferry provision is essential while any future fixed link proposals are further developed.”
Hunter said tunnels have the potential to transform Unst by improving access to healthcare, employment and education, giving people and businesses confidence in the future of our isles.
But she said meaningful consultation with ferry staff and the community must continue.
“Local knowledge and experience will be crucial in assessing the social, economic, environmental and practical implications of any future infrastructure investment,” Hunter added.
“After decades of debating, today’s decision will hopefully be followed by action, with a focus on moving towards securing support from the Scottish and UK governments.”
Hannah Mary Goodlad, who in her recent election campaign suggested the use of new Scottish Government bonds to pay for tunnels, said she wants to do “all I can to help” in her capacity as Shetland’s MSP.
“Given Shetland’s vital strategic position in the north Atlantic, and our multiple growing industries across our islands, I’m really pleased to see councillors vote today on moving forward with the recommendations set out in the report that was put before them,” the SNP MSP, who is also public finance minister, said.
“It’s also important to recognise the tireless efforts of local tunnel campaigners, and all others involved in pushing this ambition forwards.
“Shetland has an important leadership role to play in a North Atlantic context and critical, generational infrastructure will enable us to meet our potential.”
The Liberal Democrat’s MP for Orkney and Shetland Alistair Carmichael also heralded the decision, saying that tunnels would “boost regional development and help rejuvenate our economy”.
“When Beatrice Wishart and I first started the Tunnel Vision community events to build a consensus around tunnels for the isles, days like this seemed a long way off,” he added.
“Now after five years of campaigning the consensus for tunnels between our islands is stronger than ever.
“I want to thank the council for their work pushing ahead with feasibility studies and for their vote today.
“Now Scottish ministers need to move heaven and earth to deliver tunnels for Shetland. We can no longer afford to be at the back of the queue where infrastructure is concerned.”
Meanwhile the SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst is seen as a key economic factor behind fixed links to the North Isles.
It is the UK’s first fully-licensed vertical spaceport, which has received government support, with first test flights expected this year.
A spokesman for the spaceport said: “This is a very welcome development, and as a strong supporter of fixed links we look forward to further progress being made.
“We know at first-hand how outdated the inter-island ferries that serve the outer isles of Shetland now are. They are at the limits of their capacity, which has a negative impact on businesses on the islands that require modern and reliable goods and infrastructure transportation.
“Fixed links are now a critical requirement for these islands as we and others strive to encourage the economic activity that will sustain the population for decades to come.”
Yell and Unst’s strong links to aquaculture was also mentioned as an economic driver, with time-sensitive goods shipped south from Yell often at the mercy of ferry disruption.
Salmon farm company Cooke Scotland said the current transport links present challenges which can impact the “timely movement of our fish, feed, equipment and personnel”.
“The immediacy from harvest to processing enables us to supply fresh salmon to our customers across the globe and the quick transport of our fish is essential in maintaining the high-quality food product we provide,” a spokesperson added.
“We made a significant contribution to the feasibility study for the Shetland tunnels and we are keen to see how the plans develop.”
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said “tunnels can’t come soon enough”.
“We strongly support the development of tunnels serving Unst and Yell. “These would hugely benefit salmon farming and our supply chain businesses,” he said.
“As the major private sector employer in many of these island communities, we know just how important better connections would be.
“Reliable transport links matter every day for staff, suppliers, equipment and getting premium Scottish salmon to market. Stronger connections would support jobs, investment and future growth across Shetland. The tunnels can’t come soon enough.”
The councillor who moved that the SIC continue forward with the recommendations was environment and transport committee chair Moraig Lyall.
Speaking after the meeting, she said while members “clearly had questions around details, the clear feeling in the room was that we should press ahead and take forward the next bit of work”.
“The council’s decision to back the proposals to move ahead with plans to upgrade our inter-island connectivity particularly the backing for tunnels for some routes is a bold step,” Lyall added.
“Unlocking the funding requirements is the key to making this a reality and our council will be working hard to make the case with governments and other funders to ensure the construction of tunnels in Shetland can begin as soon as possible while maintaining a focus on making our existing ferry connections fit for purpose meantime.”
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