Latest news with #EmmaMacdonald
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Huge plans to build undersea tunnel network in UK hits major milestone
Ambitious proposals to build a huge network of undersea UK tunnels have been discussed for years, but always failed to gain momentum. However, the plan just got one step closer to becoming reality Ambitious plans to create a network of undersea tunnels connecting one of the UK's most isolated regions have taken a 'significant step' forward. Famed for its secluded white beaches, rugged grassy cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the Shetland Islands (commonly referred to as just Shetland) consists of roughly 100 picturesque isles, with only 16 of them being inhabited. Situated some 110 miles from mainland Scotland, and 140 miles west of Norway - the archipelago is the northernmost region of the UK. Despite only having a tiny population of around 23,000 - the archipelago attracts around four times the number of tourists every single year. However, for residents and holidaymakers alike, getting from island to island isn't always easy. At the moment, there appear to be only two airports in Shetland that have scheduled flights (Sumburgh and Lerwick/Tingwall), meaning the most common way to cross the rough waters is via ferry. However, the archipelago could soon be efficiently linked together by a huge network of tunnels. It's an idea that would be life-changing for many locals, and industries such as salmon farming, which has been in the works for years but always failed to gain momentum. However, last month the Shetland Islands Council had a meeting to approve the Network Strategy - Strategic Outline Case (SOC) report, presented by Stantec in partnership with COWI, Mott Macdonald and ProVersa. The report is designed to establish the case for investment in ferries and harbours and, in some cases fixed links, including tunnels. In what has been described as a 'significant step', the council agreed to fund a study to establish the commercial and financial viability of fixed links and the future steps required to move the project forward. If the early plans go ahead, Shetland could see enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell. "Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population," said Council Leader Emma Macdonald. "Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which can reverse decades of depopulation." The councillor pointed to the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago that's part of the Kingdom of Denmark, located some 200 miles further out into the Atlantic. Despite its isolated position, the 18 islands are actually connected by 23 tunnels, four of which run below the sea. One of these is a 7.1-mile tunnel which connects the island of Streymoy to two sides of a fjord on the island of Eysturoy, and features the world's only undersea roundabout nicknamed the Jellyfish. "Tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects," she added. "It's also critical that we continue to invest in a resilient and reliable ferry service to support all our islands. The Council has today approved this latest recommendation, and as a result this represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands." Isles MP Alistair Carmichael also welcomed the move, arguing that tunnels have the potential to transform Shetland's economy and communities. "We have seen a few false dawns on tunnels for Shetland – now is the time to deliver on their promise," he said. "I am glad that the Council is putting investment into this project to move it to the next stage. "The Stantec report made it clear that the choice is between either investing further in the ferry service or in fixed links. That means that tunnels can no longer be dismissed as the 'high cost' option relative to ferries, which is good news as we go into the next stage of development... It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made." Details on how much such a project would cost, or how long it would take to construct, have yet to be announced.
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Huge £500million underground tunnels set to connect four UK islands & ‘reverse decades of depopulation'
Councillors to fund study to establish viability of a tunnel system DIGGING DEEP Huge £500million underground tunnels set to connect four UK islands & 'reverse decades of depopulation' PLANS for a £500million underground tunnel service connecting four UK Islands have been taken to the next level. This comes after Shetland councillors agreed to take forward proposals for the construction of tunnels between islands in a move described as 'a significant step.' Advertisement 6 Plans for an underground tunnel service have been taken to the next level Credit: Getty 6 Council leader hopes this will reverse depopulation Credit: Getty 6 Councillors have agreed to fund further research into the viability of a tunnel system Credit: Getty According to The National, a report on the future of Shetland's inter-island transport was presented to councillors for the first time on Wednesday. The report recommended enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell. In the wake of the report, councillors have now agreed to fund a study to establish the commercial and financial viability of a tunnel system. Future steps to move the project forward were also discussed. Advertisement The options presented in the report don't come with any cost estimates, with the council emphasising the funding is uncertain. Earlier this year, The Scotsman reported that the tunnels are expected to cost more than £500million Council Leader Emma Macdonald told The National: "Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. 'Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which reverse decades of depopulation.' She added: 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects.' Advertisement Such tunnels are common in the Faroe Islands and Norway. Ms Macdonald also insisted that they must continue to invest in a reliable ferry service as well. Councillors hope these plans will put a halt to depopulation In reference to Wednesday's meeting Ms Macdonald said: 'This represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.' One of the world's deepest bars to open in London Isles MP Alistair Carmichael expressed his excitement for this project, saying it is now time to deliver on this long-anticipated promise. Advertisement The MP described the tunnels as having the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy. Mr Carmichael added: 'It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made.' He concluded that he is excited to keep up the momentum as he anticipates further talks with UK and Scottish governments. The report was published by a team of consultants appointed by Shetland Islands Council. A team of engineering consultancies COWI, Stantec and Mott Macdonald have been collaborating on the study, and exploring how transport links between islands could be improved over the next 30 years. Advertisement The National also reported that Wednesday saw the discontinuation of any possibility of a Feltar tunnel for the time being. 6 The report was presented on Wednesday Credit: Getty 6 MP Alistair Carmichael, anticipates further talks with the UK and Scottish government Credit: Getty 6 According to the Scotsman, these plans could cost more than £500million Credit: NQ
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Huge £500million underground tunnels set to connect four UK islands & ‘reverse decades of depopulation'
PLANS for a £500million underground tunnel service connecting four UK Islands have been taken to the next level. This comes after Shetland councillors agreed to take forward proposals for the construction of tunnels between islands in a move described as 'a significant step.' 6 6 6 According to The National, a report on the future of Shetland's inter-island transport was presented to councillors for the first time on Wednesday. The report recommended enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell. In the wake of the report, councillors have now agreed to fund a study to establish the commercial and financial viability of a tunnel system. Future steps to move the project forward were also discussed. The options presented in the report don't come with any cost estimates, with the council emphasising the funding is uncertain. Earlier this year, The Scotsman reported that the tunnels are expected to cost more than £500million Council Leader Emma Macdonald told The National: "Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. 'Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which reverse decades of depopulation.' She added: 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects.' Such tunnels are common in the Faroe Islands and Norway. Ms Macdonald also insisted that they must continue to invest in a reliable ferry service as well. Councillors hope these plans will put a halt to depopulation In reference to Wednesday's meeting Ms Macdonald said: 'This represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.' One of the world's deepest bars to open in London Isles MP Alistair Carmichael expressed his excitement for this project, saying it is now time to deliver on this long-anticipated promise. The MP described the tunnels as having the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy. Mr Carmichael added: 'It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made.' He concluded that he is excited to keep up the momentum as he anticipates further talks with UK and Scottish governments. The report was published by a team of consultants appointed by Shetland Islands Council. A team of engineering consultancies COWI, Stantec and Mott Macdonald have been collaborating on the study, and exploring how transport links between islands could be improved over the next 30 years. The National also reported that Wednesday saw the discontinuation of any possibility of a Feltar tunnel for the time being. 6 6 6
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Major update on plans for TUNNEL between Scottish islands revealed
A report also called for more to be done to enhance ferry services LINKING UP Major update on plans for TUNNEL between Scottish islands revealed COUNCIL leaders have issued a major update on plans for tunnels being constructed between Scottish islands. The tunnels would permanently link four of the furthest away islands, meaning locals and tourists wouldn't need to rely on ferries. Advertisement 3 The tunnels would run underground and link four of the Shetland islands 3 This includes Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell Credit: Getty They would be constructed underground and would connect four of the Shetland Isles. These include the islands of Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell, which sit around 105 miles off the northeast of the mainland in he heart of the North Sea. According to The Herald, a study is now being prepared for officials to consider and will outline the plans in detail. A new strategy report is also set to make the case for increased investment in different travel facilities between the islands. Advertisement This will include the harbours and ferries as well as the proposed plans for the underground tunnels. Shetland Islands Council met this week to discuss a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) report and agreed to approve it. Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population Councillor Emma Macdonald They also agreed to fund a study that would further examine the capabilities of the fixed links, both commercially and financially. This is expected to help councillors consider the future steps that may be required to help the plans move forward. Advertisement The report also called for more to be done to enhance ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries. Councillors have said that this is a "significant" step forward and said the tunnels would be a way to 'future-proof' their communities that are suffering from dwindling population. Inside eerie hidden tunnels beneath busy street in Glasgow city centre Council Leader, Councillor Emma Macdonald, told The Herald: 'Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. 'Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which can reverse decades of depopulation. Advertisement 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects.' Tunnels have the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy and our communities... I am glad that progress is being made Isles MP Alistair Carmichael She added: 'It's also critical that we continue to invest in a resilient and reliable ferry service to support all our islands. 'The council has today approved this latest recommendation, and as a result, this represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.' Isles MP Alistair Carmichael also said that the tunnels could transform Shetland's economy and said "now is the time to deliver". Advertisement He continued: 'We have seen a few false dawns on tunnels for Shetland – now is the time to deliver on their promise. "I am glad that the Council is putting investment into this project to move it to the next stage. 'The Stantec report made it clear that the choice is between either investing further in the ferry service or in fixed links. Advertisement "That means that tunnels can no longer be dismissed as the 'high cost' option relative to ferries, which is good news as we go into the next stage of development. 'Tunnels have the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy and our communities. "It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made. "I look forward to working with the Council and indeed with the UK and Scottish governments to keep up the momentum.' Advertisement
The National
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Shetland tunnel plans advance to next stage with key study
A report on Shetland's future inter-island transport, presented to councillors first time on Wednesday, recommended enhanced ferry services for Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries, together with the case for tunnels to Bressay, Unst, Whalsay and Yell. Any possibility of a Fetlar tunnel has been discounted for now due to concerns over affordability and value for money. The options presented in the report do not come with any cost estimates, with the council stressing that funding is uncertain. Private finance is understood to be considered a possible avenue. READ MORE: Will the BBC televise Kneecap's Glastonbury performance? How to watch A team of consultants appointed by Shetland Islands Council which has been exploring how transport links between the islands could be improved over the next 30 years published the report. Engineering consultancies COWI, Stantec and Mott MacDonald have been collaborating on the study weighing up the merits of improved ferry links and fixed link options such as bridges or subsea tunnels. Councillors have now agreed to fund a study to establish the commercial and financial viability of tunnels and the future steps required to move the project forward. Council leader councillor Emma Macdonald said: 'Tunnelling in Shetland is, ultimately, about future-proofing our island population. Transport connectivity is central to creating sustainable islands which provide good homes and good jobs for our people, and which can reverse decades of depopulation. 'The experience of our neighbours in the Faroe Islands is clear - tunnelling from mainland Shetland to our outer islands could increase their population, lower their average age, and increase their economic prospects. It's also critical that we continue to invest in a resilient and reliable ferry service to support all our islands. 'The council has today approved this latest recommendation, and as a result this represents a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.' READ MORE: Scottish council leader quits Tories after 45 years with hint to join Reform UK Isles MP Alistair Carmichael: 'We have seen a few false dawns on tunnels for Shetland – now is the time to deliver on their promise. I am glad that the council is putting investment into this project to move it to the next stage. 'The Stantec report made it clear that the choice is between either investing further in the ferry service or in fixed links. That means that tunnels can no longer be dismissed as the 'high cost' option relative to ferries, which is good news as we go into the next stage of development. 'Tunnels have the potential to be transformative for Shetland's economy and our communities. It has been a long road just to reach this point and there is still a long way to go but I am glad that progress is being made. I look forward to working with the council and indeed with the UK and Scottish governments to keep up the momentum.'
