By ashleykaren
Shetland Islands Council’s ‘Shetland Short Crossings Project’, which sought to link all central islands by a tunnel or a new ferry, is now at a progressive planning stage.
The Council has negotiated with the UK and Scottish Governments on the problem, sharing the document ‘Shetland Forward’ to support its aspirations on short crossings and on maximizing the advantages of renewable energy projects.
Presently, a meeting has been confirmed with Alister Jack, MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, to consult interisland connectivity, and discussions are continuing with the Scottish Government on the subject.
Shetland’s inter-island ferry service is the economic and social backbone of the islands, with a fleet of 12 vessels voyaging about 70,000 times a year to nine islands, moving approximately 750,000 passengers.
Nevertheless, on average, the fleet is more than 30 years old – nearly six years older than the average Caledonian MacBrayne vessel. Already, a number of these vessels are working beyond their planned life and are a significant contributor to the islands’ carbon emissions.
The Shetland Short Crossings Project has been designated as an umbrella to combine the progressive work being done on planning the replacement of every ferry with either a new vessel or a tunnel.
Currently, four tunnels are being scheduled from the mainland to Yell; Yell to Unst; the mainland to Whalsay; and Bressay. Different funding possibilities are being investigated- liaison is continuing with the UK Government to help the tunnels to the north isles, which would link the mainland with the SaxaVord Spaceport, and conversations are ongoing with the Scottish Government to assist with the tunnels on the east side.
Cllr Emma Macdonald, the Council’s Political Leader, claimed: “The importance of the interisland transport network to life in Shetland cannot be overestimated. It is the very definition of a lifeline service and is the social and economic backbone of the islands.
“However, there are a handful of vessels which are already operating past their intended lifespan. If they are not replaced now, either by tunnels or new ferries, there is a material risk to lifeline services to Shetland’s islands.
“We understand that any project to replace ageing ferries with new vessels, or with tunnels, cannot be expected to be solely the responsibility of central government. Just as our islands’ incredible energy resources should be a shared benefit between Shetland, Scotland and the UK, the transportation between those islands should be a shared cost.”
She added: “This is the fairness which lies at the center of our partnership; Shetland, Scotland and the UK sharing costs, and sharing benefits. In March, Shetland Islands Council committed to spend up to £700k on developing business cases and further work on the project; this is obviously a serious commitment of resources, and the time has now come for both the Scottish and UK Governments to make clear the level of their commitment to our partnership.
“I have written to both First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP, and Alister Jack MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, asking for a summit to discuss transport connectivity – as well as digital connectivity and community benefit from renewable energy – and I’m pleased to confirm Mr. Jack has agreed to meet with me on those issues. Our discussions continue with the Scottish Government and I look forward to hearing from them in due course.”
