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Tue, 30 Jun 2026

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 Shetland backs plan to connect islands with £1.5bn undersea tunnels

The undersea links between some of the UK's most northerly islands could be in place within eight years.
Shetland Islands Council has approved plans to build undersea tunnels connecting some of its islands, with an estimated cost of £1.5 billion. The project aims to replace aging ferries and improve transportation between the islands. A feasibility study suggests that tunnels could be cheaper than building new ferries and replacing harbors. The council has taken inspiration from the Faroe Islands' tunnel network, which includes four undersea tunnels connecting island communities. The Faroes have over 20 tunnels, with the longest one being 7.1 miles long. The Shetland project could transform the islands' economy by boosting direct economic activity related to the spaceport on Unst and spin-off benefits such as aerospace industrial development and tourism. It would also improve access to labor for island businesses. The council plans to explore funding options, including private investment, public subsidy, borrowing, and tolls to cover maintenance costs. The construction of the tunnels is expected to take five years after preliminary work is completed in three years. Engineering firm Cowi has been advising the Shetland Islands Council on the project, describing it as relatively straightforward from an engineering perspective. However, the real challenge lies in whether Scotland takes a short-term or long-term view on infrastructure development.