Shetland Liberal Democrats call for Scottish Government bonds to support tunnel development

Shetland Liberal Democrats, led by Scottish parliamentary candidate Emma Macdonald, are today calling on the Scottish Government to use its new financial bonds to support the development of inter-island tunnels.

The Scottish Government aims to issue its first bonds in 2026/27, the first in a £1.5 billion bond programme over the life of the next parliament. The government has stated that it aims to issue bonds to raise money for infrastructure projects.

Since 2021, Shetland representatives Alistair Carmichael MP and Beatrice Wishart MSP have led a series of events aimed at building consensus and political pressure in support of inter-island tunnels. The events led to the creation of Tunnel Action Groups in different island communities (including local pledges of funding support for initial development work) and ongoing official development of a case for tunnels in Shetland Islands Council.

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Shetland, Emma Macdonald said:

“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.

“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” – so there is no good reason for the Scottish Government to sit on its hands when it could back us fully now.”

Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart said:

“The development of tunnels in the Faroe Islands has brought about transformational change, reversed population decline and slashed travel times. We know that fixed links work, as we have seen what the bridges to Burra and Trondra have done to reverse depopulation, and 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. We have a strong local team making the case here – all we are lacking is the full support of our government.”