The Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme will deliver a robust Strategic Business Case and Outline Business Case for the inter-island transport network, upon which decisions can be taken on future connectivity options between Shetland’s islands.
Shetland Islands Council has commissioned Stantec UK Ltd, who will work alongside partners Mott MacDonald and COWI, to complete this work.
Please note that Fair Isle is being considered through a separate process and in consultation with the island community.
Drop in Sessions - May 2026
Islanders are invited to attend a series of public drop‑in sessions later this month to learn more about the work underway to shape future inter‑island connectivity. The sessions will provide an opportunity to view the latest information, understand the options being considered and ask questions directly to the teams involved.
Staff from the Council’s Programme Team, alongside consultants Stantec, Mott MacDonald and COWI, will be available to talk through recent progress and discuss what happens next, ahead of the full Council meeting on 30 June. At that meeting, elected members will consider the preferred options for each of the eight island routes, informed by the evidence and appraisal set out in the Inter‑island Transport Connectivity Network Strategy Outline Business Case (OBC).
Drop‑in session dates and venues
- Bressay Hall – Monday 25 May, 3.30–7.30pm
- Mid Yell Hall – Tuesday 26 May, 3.30–7.30pm
- Fetlar Hall – Wednesday 27 May, 4.00–7.00pm
- Baltasound Hall – Wednesday 27 May, 3.30–7.30pm
- Symbister Hall – Thursday 28 May, 3.30–7.30pm
No booking is required – islanders are welcome to drop in at any time during the sessions.
Sessions are also being arranged for Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries
Latest News
Sessions updating islanders on potential fixed links
A series of public drop-in session will be taking place later this month to update islanders on the ongoing work into future connectivity options.
Representatives from the Council’s Programme Team, as well as consultants Stantec, Mott Macdonald and COWI, will be there to update residents on recent work and answer questions in the lead up to the next key decision-making meeting of the full Council on 30th June. Elected members will decide on the preferred options for each of the eight island routes based on the evidence and appraisal set out in the Inter-island Transport Connectivity Network Strategy Outline Business Case (OBC).
Globally experienced contractors to carry out tunnel modelling work
Three major international companies have been appointed for the next phase of work looking at the potential for fixed links in Shetland.
Funding was agreed by Shetland Islands Council earlier this year to develop a Fixed Link Model (FLM), using the Yell Sound crossing as a ‘test case’. Consultants COWI and Stantec undertook engagement with the industry, and the following companies have now been appointed.
Previous Stories
Modelling work gets underway on potential fixed links
23rd September 2025
Work on the Council’s Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme has reached a key phase.
Following approval of funding of £990K earlier this year, consultants Stantec and COWI have been engaged to develop a Fixed Link Model (FLM) – essentially looking at whether tunnels can be delivered in Shetland and, if so, how.
Shetland Islands Council agrees “significant step towards tunnels"
26th June 2025
Shetland Islands Council agreed to commission a study described by its Leader as representing "a significant step towards the construction of tunnels between our islands.
Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed the news, saying he’s glad that progress is being made.
The primary purpose of the meeting was to approve the Network Strategy - Strategic Outline Case (SOC) report, presented by Stantec in partnership with COWI, Mott Macdonald and ProVersa. The SOC is designed to establish the case for investment in ferries and harbours and, in some cases, fixed links, including tunnels.
Inter-island Transport Connectivity Project moves to next stage
31st March 2025
The project looking at the future options for connectivity between Shetland’s islands is moving to its next phase, following a recent series of public drop-in sessions.
Over a hundred people attended five events, and Shetland Islands Council and consultants Stantec, COWI and Mott MacDonald would like to thank everyone who attended for their continued interest and support. The material which was shared at these sessions is now available on our website.
Next stage of community engagement on transport connections for Shetland’s islands
18th February 2025
Public drop-in sessions will take place early next month to update island residents as work progresses to consider their future connectivity options.
Over a thousand responses were received to a recent survey, which asked questions around people’s current travel behaviour and experiences. The headline responses relating to each individual island will be shared with communities at a series of face-to-face and online sessions in early March.
First stage of consultation on Shetland’s island connectivity
9th December 2024
An online survey is now open, marking the beginning of the work to consider the future transport connectivity for Shetland’s island communities.
This first survey focuses on getting information on people’s current travel behaviour, their views of the existing ferry services and the transport challenges that they face on a day-to-day basis. The survey is open for six weeks, and paper copies, with pre-paid return envelopes, are available if preferred.
Preferred bidder for Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme
4th April 2024
Following a competitive bid process, Stantec UK Ltd has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme.
The work includes developing the network strategy Strategic and Outline Business Cases, conducting stakeholder engagement to support and inform that development, and setting out the implementation route map that will set out the order in which individual projects should be prioritised. This work will get underway once the 18-month contract is finalised and formally awarded.