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 focusses 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.
Stantec, in partnership with COWI and Mott MacDonald, will engage with island communities through a series of public drop-in sessions across the isles in the New Year. The information gathered will then be put together in a Strategic Business Case, making the case for transport investment.
If that is approved by Shetland Islands Council, the Stantec-led team will then move on to focussing on identifying preferred options for individual islands, with further stakeholder engagement taking place during 2025.
Councillor Moraig Lyall, who chairs the Council’s Environment and Transport Committee, says: “This first survey focusses on identifying the challenges our existing inter-island transport systems pose to how we live and how our economy is shaped – our work, recreation, business and everyday activities. It gives us the information needed to understand and evidence the problems. The next stage will then look at what the various options might be for the future. I’d urge everyone to complete the survey so we can start with a strong basis of evidence for change.”
“We all, as individuals and as island communities, need to make sure that we give our views and make our suggestions to inform the business case at each opportunity as we move forward.
“I completely understand that people will feel that this is a long and complex process. However, we need to remember that we are asking for support from UK and Scottish Governments for very large investments that we can’t afford on our own. We are required by government to follow a strict series of steps demonstrating a strong and resilient case for funding for future connectivity for our islands.”
The survey can be found at www.shetland.gov.uk/IITCShetland or contact IITCShetland@stantec.com or 0131 335 4200 to receive a paper version.
Fair Isle is being considered through a separate process and in consultation with the island community.