New round of Shetland Tunnel Vision events announced for August
A new round of Tunnel Vision events for Shetland by isles representatives Alistair Carmichael MP and Beatrice Wishart MSP, will take place throughout week commencing 21st August. The events, which will be held in Yell, Fetlar, Unst, Whalsay and Bressay, will be an opportunity to discuss recent progress in the campaign for short subsea tunnels in the isles, how this can be developed further and to liaise with local groups on their plans.
Letters are being sent to residents of islands where the meetings are being held, and to residents in Skerries with full details of the event and to invite their views on the future of the campaign.
Since the previous round of Tunnel Vision events in 2022, island communities have seen the formation of Tunnel Action Groups (including local pledges of support for initial development work), further discussions at council level, and meetings by Beatrice Wishart MSP in the Faroe Islands to learn from the successful development of tunnel links there.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael said:
“Since the last round of events there has been a growing sense of momentum around the campaign for tunnels in the isles. The formation of Tunnel Action Groups and pledges of support by local people and businesses show that the energy behind fixed links has never been stronger.
“This month’s events will be a chance to take that momentum and push the campaign on further and I would encourage everyone with an interest to join our meetings or get in touch.
“Now is the time for concrete steps towards tunnel development, particularly the underlying business case. We need to see all levels of government contribute to the development of that case– and the best way to deliver that is to show a united front calling for support.”
Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart said:
“My recent trip to the Faroe Islands highlighted the political will with ‘buy-in’ from residents, businesses and government to connect islands with tunnels.
“The development of tunnels in the Faroe Islands has brought about transformational change, reversed population decline and slashed travel times.
“I look forward to hearing at the meetings about the work of the Tunnel Action Groups, as well as the views of local residents and councillors, and how we can make progress to bring about long-term infrastructure improvements.”