A major project to replace all Shetland's ferry linkspans will begin next year, it has been announced.

It's the first such work to be undertaken for around 20 years, and will involve each terminal being closed to vehicle traffic for around two-three days.

Initially, the Ferry Service's spare linkspan unit will be renovated, and taken to the first site to be worked on – Vidlin – to replace the existing equipment there.

While that's being done, the existing control hut will be replaced with a new pre-fabricated version which will contain, as well as hydraulic and control equipment, a standby generator to run security and ICT equipment, navigation and LED street lighting.

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The new control huts are being designed and constructed by JHUK Ltd (John Henderson UK Ltd.), who also designed the existing hydraulic and control systems at Toft, Ulsta and Hamar's Ness.

The project to replace/refurbish all 13 linkspans will run from around May 2019 – Sept 2021, and Ferry Service staff will be working hard to make sure all affected communities are kept up to date with information and guidance as the work goes on.

Councillor Ryan Thomson chairs the Council's Environment and Transport Committee: "It's really good to see this work finally getting underway. Our linkspans are critical to our fleet operation and any fault has a significant effect on the ability of an island community to function effectively.

"There will, by the very nature of the work, be times when the ferries won't be able to transport vehicles, and we do appreciate that that will have an impact, especially on people living in the isles. We are doing what we can to plan for that, and will make sure the necessary information is shared with anyone who may be affected, both on- and off-island, well in advance of any work."