In order to investigating the strategic and economic case for improved fixed transport links between Scotland\u2019s islands, the UK parliament\u2019s Scottish Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry.<\/p>\n
Considering that the argue for fixed links is undergoing between campaigners in the Shetland Islands during the past two years, the Unst and Yell Tunnel Action Groups have led calls for the islands of Unst and Yell to be linked to mainland Shetland through subsea tunnels in Yell Sound and Bluemull Sound and last month published a pre-seismic survey completed by Norconsult.<\/p>\n
With the aim of developing a fixed link model looking at the possibility of tunnel connections between islands, Shetland Islands Council commissioned Stantec and COWI as part of its Inter-island Transport Connectivity Program in September.<\/p>\n
According to committee chair Patricia Ferguson: “Current transport links between Scotland\u2019s islands simply don\u2019t seem to be up to scratch. Delayed and cancelled ferries cause disruption for entire communities, and undoubtedly also pose huge barriers to the development of island economies.”<\/p>\n
He also added: “Fixed link infrastructure projects like undersea tunnels could be transformational for Scotland\u2019s island communities. Throughout this inquiry, we\u2019ll be looking closely at the economic case for these fixed link projects, their value for money and, ultimately, whether there could be a strategic interest for the UK government to support their development.”<\/p>\n