Shetland Liberal Democrats have called on the Scottish Government to use its planned infrastructure bonds to support the development of inter island tunnels, arguing the projects would deliver lasting benefits for island communities.
The call comes as the Scottish Government prepares to issue its first bonds in 2026/27 as part of a £1.5 billion programme planned over the life of the next parliament.
Ministers have said the bonds are intended to raise money for major infrastructure projects across Scotland.
Shetland Liberal Democrats say inter island tunnels should be an obvious priority for that investment.
The campaign is being led locally by Scottish parliamentary candidate Emma Macdonald, with long standing support from Alistair Carmichael MP and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart.
Since 2021, Carmichael and Wishart have worked to build political and community backing for tunnels through public events and local engagement.
That work has led to the creation of Tunnel Action Groups in several island communities, alongside local pledges of funding support for early development work.
Shetland Islands Council is also continuing to develop the official case for tunnels as part of its long term planning.
Emma Macdonald said the Scottish Government’s own statements on bonds made the case clear.
“The Scottish Government themselves have said that these new bonds are to raise money for infrastructure projects.
“I cannot think of any project that could be more worthy of that support than the campaign for tunnels in Shetland.
“This should be a no brainer for Scottish ministers to agree to.”
She said momentum behind the project was continuing to grow.
“We may be some way from having spades in the ground, but the consensus for tunnels between our islands is stronger than ever before.
“I am proud of the work that Alistair and Beatrice have done over the past few years to bring local people together as part of the campaign.
“That is exactly how we mean to go on.
“Tunnels for Shetland should be seen as a when rather than an if.
“There is no good reason for the Scottish Government to sit on its hands when it could back us fully now.”
Beatrice Wishart said evidence from elsewhere showed the potential impact of fixed links.
“The development of tunnels in the Faroe Islands has brought about transformational change, reversed population decline and slashed travel times.”
She said Shetland had already seen the benefits of fixed connections.
“We know that fixed links work, as we have seen what the bridges to Burra and Trondra have done to reverse depopulation.”
“We know that our communities in Shetland want to get them done.
“Officials and ministers based hundreds of miles away from Shetland cannot properly understand what is needed here.
“But by agreeing to back our plans with the new Scottish government bonds, they can play a positive role as we get on with achieving tunnels for our islands.”
She added that the foundations were already in place.
“We have a strong local team making the case here.
“All we are lacking is the full support of our government.”
