Plans for fixed links in Shetland have moved a step closer, with councillors endorsing preferred tunnel options and allocating funding to take the programme forward.

Shetland Islands councillors approved recommendations on which options should advance to the next stage of the Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme, including subsea tunnels between some of the isles.

The decisions include: a fixed link across Bluemull Sound between Unst and Yell, alongside a dedicated Fetlar vessel operating over an extended day, with immediate investment still required in the Bluemull Sound ferry service; continued investment in the Bressay and Whalsay ferry services with longer-term commitments to fixed links; a fixed link for Yell; a business-as-usual approach for Foula; and “Ferry Do Something” options for Papa Stour and Skerries.

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Members also agreed up to £200K from existing budgets to progress the project, including further development of funding and financing options.

A draft Implementation Route Map will be the next step, setting out a phased 30-year investment programme and a high-level cost profile when it is presented to the Council in September.

The current inter-island ferry network faces acknowledged operational challenges: operating costs are rising to £25 million in 2024/25; the fleet is ageing, with an average vessel age of 32.5 years; there are difficulties recruiting and retaining crews; and several key routes face deck capacity constraints.