Consultants have been tasked with evaluating Shetland’s transport connections, commissioned by the Shetland Islands Council. This study will encompass various transport options, focusing on inter-island connectivity for the next 30 years. Experts from Cowi, Stantec, and Mott MacDonald are involved in assessing the feasibility and potential benefits of both ferry services and bridge constructions. The study addresses significant concerns regarding community accessibility, economic implications, and engineering challenges.
- Transport experts Cowi, Stantec, and Mott MacDonald are spearheading a comprehensive study into Shetland’s transport infrastructure on behalf of the Shetland Islands Council.
The Shetland Islands Council has initiated a significant project aiming to improve inter-island transport links, enlisting the expertise of leading consultants such as Cowi, Stantec, and Mott MacDonald. This evaluation is critical as it addresses the needs of Shetland, an archipelago located at the northernmost tip of the United Kingdom, approximately 110 miles from mainland Scotland. The study focuses on long-term solutions, considering sustainable and effective means of transportation for the next three decades.
Among the various transport options being explored are enhanced ferry services and the construction of new bridges, which are essential for maintaining and improving accessibility within the Shetland archipelago. Notably, there are already existing fixed links which connect several of the islands to the Shetland mainland, including East Burra, West Burra, Trondra, Muckle Roe, and between Housay and Bruray. The consultants will analyse the comparative merits of extending these connections, assessing the viability and impact of each potential solution.
Cowi, in particular, is focusing on the fixed link options, conducting detailed geological assessments alongside economic and environmental impact studies. Their role includes determining the technical challenges and financial feasibility of new bridge constructions, which are poised to play a vital role in the future connectivity of the Shetland Islands. Cowi’s analysis is expected to provide crucial insights into the strategic planning and development of Shetland’s transport network.
Stephen Canning, the director of transport planning at Stantec, has emphasised the importance of connectivity for Shetland’s island communities. He states that the ability to access essential services, employment opportunities, and leisure activities on the mainland is a fundamental concern. Furthermore, efficient transportation is crucial for the movement of goods and the delivery of services across the islands, highlighting the need for a resilient inter-island network.
This comprehensive transport study aims to secure a robust, future-proof connectivity network for the Shetland archipelago.
