Picture this: You're an islander in Scotland's remote Shetland archipelago, where commuting to work involves dodging ferocious ocean currents on rickety old ferries that could cancel at any moment. It's not just inconvenient—it's a daily battle that tears families apart. But here's the eye-opening twist: What if the solution was as straightforward as digging a hole? That's the radical idea sparking a passionate movement among locals who dream of tunnels instead of ferries. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about faster travel; it's about reviving isolated communities and sparking a debate on modernizing remote island life. Let's dive in and explore why this 'dig a hole' philosophy is gaining traction, while uncovering the controversies that have everyone talking.
For Alec Priest, who works as an instrument technician at the Sullom Voe oil terminal in Shetland, the need for tunnels beneath the narrow seawater channels separating his home from his job couldn't be clearer. These channels, known as tidal sounds, are infamous for their strong, unpredictable currents that can make navigation tricky. Right now, his routine involves enduring journeys on two outdated ferries that cross these volatile waters. To a casual visitor, this might add a thrilling sense of adventure. But for busy island residents, essential workers like care providers, and local businesses, it means frustrating delays, mounting stress, and extra expenses that eat into their time and wallets.
Those ferries, plying the waters over Bluemull Sound and Yell Sound, turn what should be a straightforward 34-mile drive from Priest's residence in Baltasound on Unst—the most northern island in the Shetland chain—to the Sullom Voe facility on the main Shetland island into a grueling 3.5-hour round trip. And since he pulls 12-hour shifts, you can imagine how exhausting that becomes. 'It's an enormous waste of precious time,' Priest shares. 'In the winter, when storms rage, there's a real risk the ferries will halt operations, so you have to plan cautiously.'
Building tunnels to connect Yell and Unst to Shetland's Mainland would slash that commute to a mere 40 minutes each direction—imagine the relief! For now, Priest opts to stay in company-provided accommodations at Sullom Voe, meaning he's separated from his family for stretches of weeks. 'It's heartbreaking for my loved ones, but there's no other viable choice,' he admits.
Priest is a key player in a vibrant grassroots effort by residents of Yell and Unst to champion tunnels (check out their campaign at https://shetlandtunnels.co.uk/). In 2025, they took the bold step of commissioning and funding their own geological studies, while enlisting experts familiar with Scandinavian tunneling techniques, all to demonstrate the tunnels' economic, social, and fiscal benefits. For beginners wondering what geological surveys entail, think of them as detailed investigations into the underwater rock layers to ensure tunnels are safe and feasible—much like scouting the best path for a major highway.
Campaigners emphasize that the absence of these tunnels carries heavy social consequences, as it accelerates population decline and deeper isolation. Priest recounts how his sister relocated her family from Yell to the Mainland to escape the unreliability of ferry-dependent living. He notes that school enrollments on Yell rise and fall as families come and go, reflecting this instability. They draw inspiration from the Faroe Islands, just north of Shetland, where extensive road tunnels unite multiple islands, even featuring the world's lone subterranean roundabout in the brightly illuminated Eysturoyartunnilin tunnel. Islanders in Shetland also cast envious glances at Norway, where mainland connections via tunnels and bridges have been standard for generations, boosting accessibility and economic growth.
This initiative, supported by their Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament, Alistair Carmichael, has successfully pushed tunnels and bridges onto the national political radar. Scottish government officials have incorporated fixed connections into their long-term transportation blueprint and allocated £10 million to Shetland for exploring alternatives—from upgrading ferries to introducing flights or tunneling. A government representative suggests more funding might follow with the release of an updated infrastructure plan alongside Scotland's budget in January. 'Inter-island connectivity, including financial support, has been a key topic in discussions with the Orkney and Shetland ferry replacement task forces since early 2023, and we'll keep collaborating with local councils,' they state.
Meanwhile, authorities in the Western Isles are advocating for completing a 'spinal link' that connects their winding archipelago with bridges or tunnels, such as between south Harris and north Uist, and south Uist and Barra. To give you a sense of the current challenges, visualize this: As the crow flies, the distance from Leverburgh in south Harris to north Uist is about five miles. Yet, the ferry route winds a circuitous nine nautical miles (around 10 statute miles) around a dozen small islands to Berneray, stretching the trip to up to 80 minutes. It's a perfect example of how geography can complicate daily life.
But here's where it gets controversial—debates are raging over whether tunneling is the right path or if longer bridges and ferry upgrades should take priority. Orkney, for instance, is concentrating on renewing its aging ferry fleet, clashing with Scottish ministers who are hesitant to foot the bill since Orkney's ferries are owned and operated by the local council. Torcuil Crichton, the Labour MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles), calls tunnels or new bridges in his area an expensive 'pipe dream' that would drag on for years. He insists the islands urgently need modern ferries right away, paired with substantial investments in social services and healthcare. 'The fastest route to better island links is to invest in reliable ferries,' Crichton argues. 'We're wasting political momentum on distant visions when we're in the midst of a connectivity crisis today.'
Carmichael, on the other hand, believes the idea will prove wildly popular once implemented; he points out that Shetland islands already joined to the Mainland by causeways don't suffer from population drain. 'I've always maintained that the toughest tunnel to construct is the inaugural one. Once the concept is validated, communities will clamor for more,' he predicts. Alice Mathewson, development manager for the North Yell Development Council and a resident of Unst, highlights how tunnels would bolster the islands' overall durability. Ferry operators can get ill, and boats can malfunction unexpectedly. She and Priest estimate the cost of the two tunnels at £115 million to £135 million, while overhauling Shetland's ferries might run £100 million plus annual subsidies of £7 million.
Tunnels offer added perks too—they can safeguard crucial infrastructure like internet cables and power lines, which have been severed accidentally multiple times lately beneath the waves. They also guarantee that Shetland's renowned salmon farms can swiftly deliver their products to market. Islanders are willing to accept toll fees to cover tunnel expenses and explore partnerships with private investors, Mathewson adds. 'Ferries have served us well, but they're a relic of the 20th century,' she says. 'For the 21st century, the clear answer is: dig a hole. Scotland needs to catch up with the times.' (For more on Scotland, visit https://www.theguardian.com/uk/scotland)
This tunnel versus ferry showdown raises big questions: Is pouring resources into long-term mega-projects like tunnels the smartest use of funds when immediate fixes like new ferries could ease daily woes faster? Or does embracing innovative infrastructure, as seen in the Faroes and Norway, hold the key to revitalizing Scotland's remote islands and preventing further depopulation? What do you think—should Scotland prioritize tunnels for a futuristic leap, or focus on reliable ferries to address pressing needs now? Share your views in the comments; do you agree with the campaigners' bold vision, or does the counterargument about costly delays resonate with you? And this is the part most people miss—perhaps a hybrid approach, blending both, could bridge the divide. Let's keep the conversation going!
