Currently, the islands are linked only by ferries, most of which are decades old and suffer from frequent breakdowns and bad weather. This often leaves islanders isolated and unable to get to work.<\/p>\n
Those behind the project point to the economic boom seen in the Faroe Islands<\/a>, where a network of motorway tunnels has been built alongside the world\u2019s first subsea roundabout.<\/p>\n Emma Macdonald, the leader of Shetland Islands council, said: \u201cWhen islands have fixed links like causeways, bridges and tunnels, they experience repopulation, economic growth and a reduction in average age.<\/p>\n \u201cDoing nothing is not an option in Shetland. We have islands depending on old, unreliable, carbon-heavy ferries, which are depopulating and continually at risk of ferry breakdowns.\u201d<\/p>\n Shetland comprises an archipelago of about 100 islands, of which 16 are inhabited, all lying about 106 miles north of Great Britain.<\/p>\n The main island of the group, known as Mainland, is a candidate for a new tunnel alongside Unst and Yell to the north, plus Whalsay and Bressay.<\/p>\n A new council-backed report in favour of the proposals highlighted the significance of the new tunnels in both the Faroe Islands and Norway.<\/p>\n \u201cSince the 1960s, the Faroe Islands have made tunnels the backbone of their transport network: they now have 23 road tunnels, with more planned,\u201d it said. \u201cNorway has developed more than 900 tunnels.<\/p>\n \u201cIn both countries, tunnel investment has been underpinned by significant support from central government, reflecting a shared understanding that such infrastructure is critical to enabling key industries such as fisheries, aquaculture and renewables \u2013 all of which are also key growth sectors in Shetland.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the Faroe Islands, 75 years of investment in fixed links has helped create one of the world\u2019s highest-income economies and reversed population decline \u2013 reflecting a long-term vision of a \u2018one island city\u2019 where all communities are connected to the capital within an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n Shetland\u2019s islands are linked mainly by a fleet of 12 ageing ferries, the oldest of which has been in service for more than four decades. Most are operating well beyond their lifespan, resulting in frequent breakdowns and servicing, and high carbon emissions.<\/p>\n Lerwick, Shetland. The leader of the islands\u2019 council says \u2018doing nothing is not an option\u2019 – aiaikawa<\/p>\n Modelling commissioned by Shetland Islands council indicates that constructing and maintaining four tunnels over a 60\u2011year period would cost approximately \u00a31.6bn, compared with more than \u00a31.7bn for continuing ferry operations. Treasury estimates suggest the tunnels would cost about \u00a32bn.<\/p>\n Islanders regard their ageing transport links as no longer fit for purpose \u2013 especially following the decision to base Britain\u2019s first spaceport, SaxaVord<\/a>, on Unst, the northernmost island.<\/p>\n For rocket scientists and engineers, reaching the site from Shetland\u2019s mainland currently requires a multi-stage journey of drives and two weather-dependent ferry crossings, meaning a distance of under 100 miles can take up to four hours.<\/p>\n Scott Hammond, the chief executive of Saxavord Spaceport, said: \u201cSaxaVord Spaceport has developed the UK\u2019s first fully-licensed vertical launch spaceport and is very close to hosting the first test flights from the facility at Lamba Ness, in Unst.<\/p>\n \u201cWith planning permission for up to 30 launches per year, the Spaceport will be a major contributor to the economy of Unst, Shetland, Scotland, the UK and Europe in the years ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cBut the inter-island ferries are at the limits of their capacity. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n His calls were backed by Capt Calum Grains, the chief executive of Lerwick Port Authority.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cWe\u2019re decommissioning oil rigs and assembling wind turbines<\/a>. Tunnelling between Shetland\u2019s islands would be transformational in terms of accessing our port efficiently and economically.\u201d<\/p>\n The UK and Scottish governments have formed working groups to study the Shetland plans with responses due later this year.<\/p>\n![\"Lerwick,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fc45cab734de0de5cd804e6862149fdd.jpeg\"\/)
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