UK Government ‘looking forward to hearing more’ about tunnel plans
Calls have been made for the government to fund pre-construction work on a tunnel to Unst, given the national significance of the SaxaVord Spaceport
THE UK Government says it “looks forward to hearing more” about Shetland’s tunnel plans amid calls for funding.
At a meeting of the full council last week a recurring suggestion was made that the UK Government should fund preparatory work on a tunnel to Unst given the national importance of the island’s SaxaVord Spaceport.
The Scottish Government has already pledged £23 million over three years which can be used by Shetland Islands Council (SIC) to prepare a business case for a tunnel to Yell.
A tunnel across Yell Sound has been selected as the priority when it comes to constructing tunnels.
When asked by Shetland News about the calls for Unst tunnel funding, a UK Government spokesperson said: “We are aware of early proposals for a Shetland Islands tunnel network.
“Transport is a devolved responsibility, of course, but the UK Government supports the growth of our island communities, and we look forward to hearing more about these plans.”
At last week’s full council meeting North Isles member Robert Thomson quipped that the SIC should go to the House of Commons with a bucket and “ask for a silver collection”.
During the meeting councillors approved an “implementation route map” which put into sequence possible tunnels and ferry replacements.
Questions still remain over how the construction of any tunnel would be funded.
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