Wishart responds to SIC inter-island transport report
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has responded to the Shetland Islands Council inter-island transport report led by transport consultants Stantec. The draft strategic outline case report will go in front of councillors on Wednesday 25th June and recommends that the idea of tunnels to Yell, Unst, Bressay and Whalsay is taken forward for further consideration, while enhancing ferry services for further consideration should also go forward. More vessels serving ferry routes such as Yell Sound and Whalsay, and new boats for Papa Stour and Foula are also proposed. The report highlights it could take between seven and ten years from 2025 for the opening of a first tunnel with no cost estimates at this stage.
Ms Wishart responded:
“I welcome the report, and I know islanders are itching for spades in the ground.
“I believe tunnels will have a positive impact for communities the length and breadth of Shetland, and I will keep championing the idea at home and in Holyrood.
“Alastair Carmichael MP and I will once again be hosting our ‘Tunnel Vision’ community engagement meetings across Shetland this summer.”
The full report can be read on Shetland Islands Council website here.