Key facts
- Shetland Islands Council voted to investigate subsea tunnel financing.
- The tunnels would connect Shetland Mainland to Yell and Unst.
- The project aims to replace aging ferries.
- The initiative seeks to combat depopulation.
- The estimated cost for the first two tunnels is £655 million.
The Shetland Islands Council has officially backed a strategy to investigate the feasibility and financing of subsea tunnels. These tunnels are intended to connect the Shetland Mainland to the islands of Yell and Unst. The primary objectives behind this ambitious project are to replace the current aging ferry services, which are vital for inter-island transport, and to combat the ongoing issue of depopulation within the Shetland archipelago. The estimated cost for the construction of the first two tunnels, connecting the Mainland to Yell and then Yell to Unst, is projected to be £655 million. This significant investment signals a long-term commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity within Shetland, potentially transforming travel and accessibility for residents and businesses.