Islanders in Shetland are urging Scottish ministers to build tunnels instead of ferries to connect their islands, citing the numerous problems caused by ferry travel. Alec Priest, an instrument technician on Unst island, says the commute from his home to work is often delayed or disrupted due to bad weather and strong currents, making the 3.5 hour journey around trip a significant waste of time.
Priest's call for tunnels comes as part of a campaign by islanders on Yell and Unst, who are pushing for connectivity options that would greatly increase their resilience. The two islands currently rely on ageing ferries, which can be unreliable and cause delays, with the most northerly island, Unst, being particularly vulnerable.
Islanders point to the Faroes, where road tunnels connect numerous islands, as a model to follow. Shetland's Liberal Democrat MP, Alistair Carmichael, says that once the first tunnel is built, it will be much easier and less expensive to construct subsequent links, making it an attractive option for the future.
Campaigners estimate that building two tunnels could cost between £115m and £135m, which would also cover the cost of replacing Shetland's ferries. They argue that the benefits of tunnel travel far outweigh the costs, including increased connectivity, reduced reliance on unreliable ferry services, and improved resilience in bad weather.
However, not everyone is convinced. Torcuil Crichton, Labour MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles), argues that tunnels or new bridges are a "fantasy solution" that would take too long to deliver, when what the islands need now are new ferries and increased funding for social and health services.
Despite these concerns, Alice Mathewson, development manager for North Yell Development council, says that tunnels would greatly increase the islands' resilience, ensuring that vital internet and electricity connections remain intact, even in bad weather. She also argues that islanders would be happy to pay tolls to fund the cost of tunnels and explore public-private financing options.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether Scottish ministers will back the tunnel option, but one thing is clear: the islands of Shetland are crying out for a modern solution to their connectivity problems.
Priest's call for tunnels comes as part of a campaign by islanders on Yell and Unst, who are pushing for connectivity options that would greatly increase their resilience. The two islands currently rely on ageing ferries, which can be unreliable and cause delays, with the most northerly island, Unst, being particularly vulnerable.
Islanders point to the Faroes, where road tunnels connect numerous islands, as a model to follow. Shetland's Liberal Democrat MP, Alistair Carmichael, says that once the first tunnel is built, it will be much easier and less expensive to construct subsequent links, making it an attractive option for the future.
Campaigners estimate that building two tunnels could cost between £115m and £135m, which would also cover the cost of replacing Shetland's ferries. They argue that the benefits of tunnel travel far outweigh the costs, including increased connectivity, reduced reliance on unreliable ferry services, and improved resilience in bad weather.
However, not everyone is convinced. Torcuil Crichton, Labour MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles), argues that tunnels or new bridges are a "fantasy solution" that would take too long to deliver, when what the islands need now are new ferries and increased funding for social and health services.
Despite these concerns, Alice Mathewson, development manager for North Yell Development council, says that tunnels would greatly increase the islands' resilience, ensuring that vital internet and electricity connections remain intact, even in bad weather. She also argues that islanders would be happy to pay tolls to fund the cost of tunnels and explore public-private financing options.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether Scottish ministers will back the tunnel option, but one thing is clear: the islands of Shetland are crying out for a modern solution to their connectivity problems.
I think building tunnels is the way forward for these islands, it's just too unreliable with ferries. I mean, 3.5 hours is a looong commute, and you can't even count on getting there without delays 
. And it's not just about the journey time, but also the impact on local businesses and services. 
. But yeah, £115-£135m is a big chunk of change 
. I'm not sure everyone is convinced that the benefits outweigh the costs, though 
. Torcuil Crichton has some valid points about new ferries and social services being more pressing needs.
. And Alice Mathewson makes a good point about public-private financing options – maybe that's the way to go 
. We'll have to wait and see what Scottish ministers decide, but I'm rooting for the tunnel option 
.
I mean can you imagine having to commute 3.5 hours just to get to work because the weather's bad? It's like, what even is that?! 
The tunnels idea seems like a no-brainer - it'd be way more reliable and convenient than these old ferries. And let's not forget about the environment too... all those ferry emissions aren't exactly eco-friendly 
I do think some people are being a bit short-sighted though, saying that tunnels won't happen in time or that they're too expensive... like, come on! We can make it work if we put our minds to it 
And I love the idea of islanders being willing to pay tolls and explore public-private financing options - that's some good old-fashioned common sense 
I think it's so cool that these islanders in Shetland are taking matters into their own hands and coming up with creative solutions to their transportation woes! 
The idea of tunnels connecting the islands is actually really genius - just imagine being able to travel safely and efficiently, even on the most stormy days. And I love how they're thinking ahead and considering the long-term benefits, like increased resilience and reduced reliance on old ferry services. 
Plus, who wouldn't want to pay a toll to support modern infrastructure? 
And can you imagine if a big storm hits while they're out there? It's crazy! 
The Faroes are doing it right with those road tunnels and I think that's something Shetland should look at. Plus, if it works out for the Faroes, why not give it a shot for Unst and Yell? £115-£135m is still a big chunk of change but if it means they can have reliable transport and stay connected to the rest of Scotland without worrying about the weather all the time, I think it's worth it. And yeah, maybe tolls could be an option... who knows? 
. The Faroes' model is indeed a compelling case study, showcasing the benefits of interconnected tunnel networks.
. Ultimately, finding a balance between modern infrastructure development and fiscal responsibility will be crucial in shaping Scotland's future connectivity landscape